India Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Market (By End-use: Fluoropolymers, Fluorogases, Pesticides) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2023-2032

The India anhydrous hydrogen fluoride market was estimated at USD 251.57 million in 2022 and it is expected to surpass around USD 478.48 million by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.64% from 2023 to 2032.

Key Pointers

• The Fluorogases segment dominated the India AHF market, with the highest revenue share of 66% in 2022.

Report Scope of the India Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Market

This growth can be attributed to the growing chemicals industry along with the rising demand for consumer goods and automobiles in India. Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) is witnessing a surged demand from the chemicals industry in India as it is a primary building block for producing several fluorine-containing chemicals. This compound is used for manufacturing fluorochemicals, fluoropolymers, surfactants, etc. which are used in automobiles, household utensils, etc.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the chemicals industry in the country was valued at USD 178 billion in 2019 and is projected to contribute USD 383 billion to the GDP of the country by 2032. An investment of USD 107.38 billion is estimated in this industry in India by 2025. The Government of India has been actively encouraging both, domestic and foreign investments in this industry by providing various incentives and offering required support to attract investors boosting the anhydrous hydrogen fluoride industry in the country.

Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) is an essential raw material used during the manufacturing and processing of aluminum. This metal is widely used for the development of automobiles. Aluminum is also increasingly utilized in electric vehicles. This acts as a driver for increasing the consumption of AHF in India during the forecast period. AHF is also used for producing specialty coatings that provide corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal to automotive parts. Coatings made from anhydrous hydrogen fluoride-derived materials, including fluorocarbon coatings, are used on car bodies, wheels, and other components to enhance their performance and appearance.

The increasing use of fluorochemicals, produced by anhydrous hydrofluoric acid, for manufacturing hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, result in the depletion of the ozone layer. This further contributes to global warming. Hence, the usage of CFCs is banned in several countries, including India. This has further resulted in an increase in demand for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) in the market as an effective alternative to CFCs.

End-use Insights

The Fluorogases segment dominated the India AHF market, with the highest revenue share of 66% in 2022. This is attributable to its use in increasing urbanization and infrastructure development, changing lifestyles, and rising income levels, which are further rising the demand for refrigerators and air conditioners in India.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation report published in December 2022, the market size of refrigerators is anticipated to reach 27.5 million units and air conditioners are expected to reach 19.5 million units by 2025. In addition, hydrofluorocarbons are used to produce polyurethane foams. These foams are used in building insulation, furniture such as sofas & mattresses, packaging to protect delicate items during transportation, and automotive interiors. With an increase in demand for HFCs to manufacture polyurethane foams, the demand for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is expected to increase over the forecast period.

Fluorogases are a group of synthetic gases that contain fluorine atoms. They are characterized by their high chemical inertness, low toxicity, and non-flammability. Hydrofluorocarbons are examples of fluoro gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Moreover, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is used to synthesize hydrofluorocarbons. When the hydrocarbon reacts with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, the fluoride atom gets introduced into the hydrocarbon structure, forming the hydrofluorocarbons. HFCs are used to replace the ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

Fluorinated ethylene propylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride are examples of fluoropolymers that are used in the chemical processing industries, electronics, automotive and medical devices. Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is used as a polymerization catalyst as well as a key raw material in the preparation of fluoropolymers. It is mainly used to introduce fluorine atoms into the polymer, which enhances the ability of fluoropolymers to sustain thermal stresses and resistance to acids and solvents.

Fluoropolymers are used in the automobile industry to manufacture fuel lines, O-rings, onboard diagnostic sensors (ODS), gaskets, and seals.  Increasing production of vehicles and favorable government initiatives for the automotive sector is expected to drive the demand for fluoropolymers in India.

India Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Market Segmentations:

By End-use 

• Fluoropolymers
• Fluorogases
• Pesticides
• Others