1 Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Insight Analysis
The global chromated copper arsenate market is expected to reach a total value of USD 53.59 million in 2025, with a CAGR of -5.93% from 2025 to 2033.
Chromated copper arsenate is a group of pesticides containing chromium, copper, and/or arsenic that protect wood against termites, fungi and other pests that can degrade or threaten the integrity of wood products. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood is used to produce commercial wood poles, posts, shakes, shingles, permanent foundation support beams, pilings, and other wood products permitted by approved labeling.
Figure Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2025-2033)
2 Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Excellent wood preservative performance: As a wood preservative, chromium copper arsenic can effectively prevent wood from deteriorating due to termite and fungal decay. Since its invention in 1933 and widespread use in the mid-1970s, it has played a key role in many fields. In marine facilities, utility poles, commercial and agricultural buildings, and highway structures, CCA-treated wood has outstanding performance compared to non-wood products due to its low density, easy on-site transformation, flexible and durable structure, and beautiful appearance.
In addition, CCA preservatives also have the advantages of high efficiency, long product life, and low cost, which helps to protect wood, an important natural resource. The stable product effect has strongly promoted the development of the industry.
Stable downstream demand: With the development of the global economy and the continuous growth of the population, the demand for various types of buildings and infrastructure construction continues to increase. In the agricultural field, the demand for durable agricultural wood and poles is stable; in the construction industry, the demand for wood used for construction and fencing also continues. The stable demand of these downstream markets provides a continuous driving force for the development of the chromium copper arsenic market and promotes the expansion of its market size.
Increasingly stringent regulations: The production and use of chromated copper arsenic is strictly regulated by many national and international standards. In the United States, CCA has been banned for residential wood since December 2003; Canada has also gradually phased out its use in the residential sector; the European Union and Australia and other regions also ban CCA-treated wood for residential use. As countries become more aware of its negative environmental and health effects, relevant regulations may become more stringent, which will directly limit the application of chromated copper arsenic in some markets and hinder the further expansion of the market.
Competitive pressure from substitutes: Due to the potential toxic effects of chromated copper arsenic on the environment, a variety of substitutes have appeared on the market. Among them, copper azole (C-A) and alkaline copper quaternary ammonium salt (ACQ) are the main substitutes. C-A is based on copper and added with organic fungicides. It has the characteristics of beautiful color, non-corrosive to metals, good anti-termite and fungal effects, and can be used in a variety of original CCA application scenarios;
ACQ is a mixture of copper and quaternary ammonium salts, can be used in a variety of environments, and has better paint and dye adhesion than CCA-treated wood. The emergence of substitutes has greatly diverted market demand and brought huge competitive pressure to the chromium copper arsenic market.
Rising energy costs: Affected by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, global energy prices have risen sharply, such as a 40% increase in liquefied natural gas prices and a continuous rise in Middle Eastern crude oil prices. The chromium copper arsenic industry and its upstream raw material industries are energy-consuming industries. Rising energy prices have led to increased raw material prices and manufacturing costs. This not only compresses corporate profit margins, but may also increase product prices, weaken market competitiveness, and thus affect the market’s growth trend.
Health and environmental hazards: Arsenic in CCA-treated wood can cause a variety of adverse effects on human health, ranging from mild symptoms such as nerve damage and vomiting to serious diseases such as bladder cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer. Children are particularly susceptible. At the same time, there are heavy metal pollution problems in its production and use. Heavy metal ions are difficult to biodegrade and will be enriched in the food chain, threatening human health and food safety. These health and environmental issues have prompted some countries to restrict the use of CCA products, seriously restricting the development of the market.
3 Technological Innovations in the Chromated Copper Arsenate Market
Raw material preparation technology: New technologies and methods are constantly emerging in the preparation of raw materials for chromium copper arsenic products. For example, U.S. Patent 4103000 discloses a method for preparing copper arsenate slurry, using metallic copper to react with arsenate in the presence of an oxidant (such as oxygen) and an acid catalyst (such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid);
European Patent Application 244,682 introduces a method for preparing copper arsenate by reacting metallic copper with arsenate and hydrogen peroxide. The emergence of these technologies helps to optimize the preparation process of raw materials and improve product quality and production efficiency.
Product performance improvement technology: Enterprises have also invested a lot of research and development efforts in improving the performance of chromium copper arsenic products. Some companies have developed new formulas to enhance the anti-corrosion and anti-insect effects of products and extend the service life of wood. At the same time, some progress has been made in reducing the impact of products on the environment and human health. Although its negative impact has not yet been completely eliminated, these technological innovations provide direction for the sustainable development of the industry.
Arxada’s M&A Initiative: On January 5, 2022, Arxada, a global leader in specialty chemicals, completed its merger with Troy Corporation. Troy is a global leader in microbial control solutions and performance additives. The merger brings comprehensive innovation to Arxada’s microbial control solutions business, enabling it to provide new solutions and value-added services to customers. Troy’s five new production sites, four R&D centers, and approximately 650 employees join Arxada, enhancing its global commercial presence, further accelerating the company’s innovation capabilities, and enhancing its competitiveness in the copper chromium arsenic market and related fields.
Koppers’ asset transaction: On April 5, 2022, Koppers Holdings Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Koppers Utility and Industrial Products Inc. completed the sale of the pole processing facility in Sweetwater, Tennessee, to an affiliate of Culpeper Wood Preservers. This asset transaction indicates that Koppers is adjusting its business and optimizing its strategic layout. By selling specific assets, it may be to concentrate resources on developing core businesses and improving operational efficiency to better cope with market competition.
4 Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size by Type
CCA-A is expected to reach a market size of $1.84 million in 2025. This type of CCA is known for its special chemical composition and is used in applications that require moderate protection against wood-destroying organisms. Revenue from CCA-A is expected to come from its use in non-residential construction and certain agricultural applications where high toxicity is not required.
CCA-B is expected to reach a market size of $0.95 millio in 2025. This type of CCA has a higher concentration of arsenic than CCA-A, making it more effective against a wider range of pests. However, the market for CCA-B has been declining due to environmental concerns and stricter regulations on the use of arsenic. It is mainly used in utility poles and industrial applications that require high durability.
CCA-C is the most dominant variety in the CCA market and is expected to reach a market size of $50.8 million by 2025. Due to its high arsenic content, this variety provides the highest level of protection, making it suitable for marine environments and areas with high pest activity. Despite environmental concerns related to arsenic, CCA-C remains in high demand in key application areas where suitable alternatives are lacking.
Table Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size by Type in 2025
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2025 |
|---|---|
CCA-A | 1.84 |
CCA-B | 0.95 |
CCA-C | 50.80 |
5 Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size by Application
Agricultural Timber and Poles is the largest segment in the CCA market in 2025, with a market size of 26.01 million US dollars. This application area benefits from CCA’s excellent wood – preserving properties. In the agricultural sector, timber and poles need to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including exposure to moisture, pests, and fungi. CCA – treated agricultural timber and poles can resist these threats effectively, ensuring a longer service life. For example, in fruit orchards, CCA – treated poles can support the growth of fruit trees for many years without rotting or being damaged by insects, thus reducing the cost of frequent replacement.
Utility Poles account for a significant portion of the CCA market as well, with a market size of 15.26 million US dollars in 2025. Utility poles, such as those used for electrical and communication lines, are exposed to the elements constantly. CCA treatment provides them with the necessary protection against decay and insect damage. This is crucial for maintaining the reliability of power and communication infrastructure. A long – lasting utility pole treated with CCA reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement, which is cost – effective for utility companies in the long run.
The application of CCA in Building and Fencing has a market size of 5.38 million US dollars in 2025. In construction, CCA – treated wood is used for building structures and fencing materials. It offers durability and resistance to environmental factors, which is important for the stability and longevity of buildings and fences. For instance, in outdoor construction projects in areas with high humidity, CCA – treated wood can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of the buildings and fences.
Table Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size by Application in 2025
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2025 |
|---|---|
Agricultural Timber and Poles | 26.01 |
Building and Fencing | 5.38 |
Utility Poles | 15.26 |
Others | 6.94 |
6 Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size by Region
North America has consistently been a dominant player in the CCA market, with a projected revenue of 33.25 million USD in 2025. This region’s growth can be attributed to its robust construction and utility sectors, which heavily rely on CCA-treated wood for their infrastructure needs. The United States, in particular, has been a significant contributor to this revenue due to its extensive use of CCA in non-residential applications such as utility poles and industrial structures. Despite facing regulatory challenges and environmental concerns, North America’s established industrial base and ongoing demand for durable wood products are expected to sustain the CCA market’s growth.
Europe’s CCA market is projected to reach 3.94 million USD by 2025. The region’s market growth is characterized by a cautious approach due to stringent environmental regulations and a push towards more sustainable alternatives. European countries have been gradually phasing out CCA in residential applications, opting for less toxic preservatives like copper azole (C-A) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ).
However, CCA still finds use in certain industrial and non-residential sectors where its efficacy is unmatched. The European market’s future growth will likely depend on the development of eco-friendly CCA alternatives and the region’s ability to balance environmental concerns with the need for effective wood preservation solutions.
The Asia-Pacific region is an emerging market for CCA, with a projected revenue of 8.84 million USD in 2025. This region’s growth is driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a surge in construction activities. Countries like China and India are experiencing increased demand for CCA in their booming construction sectors. Additionally, the region’s agricultural sector also contributes to the CCA market due to the need for treated timber in farming and irrigation infrastructure.
Despite the potential for significant growth, the Asia-Pacific region faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles and the need for awareness about the environmental impacts of CCA. The region’s market is expected to evolve as it balances development needs with environmental sustainability.
Figure Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2025
7 Global Chromated Copper Arsenate Market Analysis by Major Players
Arxada
Company Profile: Arxada, originally part of Lonza Group, was established in 1954 and has its main manufacturing bases in the USA. The company has a global market distribution network, reaching customers worldwide.
Business Overview: Arxada specializes in providing a broad portfolio of differentiated products targeted at a range of end markets. They are known for their leading regulatory capabilities, IP expertise, and a strong track record in R&D. The company focuses on Consumer Microbial Control, Industrial Microbial Control, and Specialty Products Solutions, offering innovative solutions to customers.
Product Offered: Arxada’s product portfolio includes Wolmanac® CCA, which is used for Wolmanized® Heavy Duty™ Wood. This treated wood is widely available, easy to handle and modify, and offers long life at a low cost. It is typically used for poles, piles, timbers, posts, and plywood, providing durability and resistance to decay.
Koppers
Company Profile: Koppers, established in 1912, has its main plant locations in the USA and Australia. The company’s market distribution is primarily in Europe, America, and Australia.
Business Overview: Koppers is dedicated to developing revolutionary ways to pressure treat lumber for various applications such as decks, fences, landscaping, and general building uses. They offer advanced protection against termite damage, rot, and fungal decay. Koppers is committed to providing high-quality products that enhance the longevity and safety of wood in outdoor environments.
Product Offered: Koppers’ product line includes Lifewood® CCA, a water-based preservative solution that protects wood against termites and fungal decay. This preservative is effective for long-term protection of wood exposed to exterior elements and is applied through pressure treatment. Lifewood® CCA is known for its effectiveness as a fungicide and termiticide, providing broad-spectrum protection.
Dolphin Bay
Company Profile: Dolphin Bay, founded in 1996, is based in South Africa with a market distribution mainly in Africa.
Business Overview: Dolphin Bay is a chemical company specializing in the manufacture of wood preservatives. They supply products and services to reputable companies that provide treated timber to the agricultural, building, electrical, and communications industries. Dolphin Bay is committed to providing high-quality wood preservation solutions.
Product Offered: Dolphin Bay’s product portfolio includes Permacure CCA, a water-soluble formulation consisting of copper oxide, chromium trioxide, and arsenic pentoxide. This product is used to provide long-term protection against wood-destroying fungi, insect larvae, and termites. It is applied by vacuum-pressure impregnation and is widely used for structural timber, agriculture poles, and transmission poles.