Market Overview: R22 Refrigerant Market (2025–2035)

The R22 Refrigerant Market is projected to exhibit stable but gradually declining growth through 2025–2035 due to global regulatory restrictions on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Chem Reports estimates that the market, valued at USD xxxx million in 2025, is expected to reach USD xxxx million by 2035, registering a CAGR of xx%. Despite phase-out mandates under the Montreal Protocol, R22 continues to be used in legacy air-conditioning and refrigeration systems across several developing countries, sustaining residual demand.
The Global R22 Refrigerant Market Report 2025 provides a detailed analysis of market structure, demand patterns, supply chain developments, and regulatory impacts. Extensive primary and secondary research evaluates trends influenced by government policies, technological changes, refrigerant alternatives, and the competitive landscape.

Impact of COVID-19 on the R22 Refrigerant Market

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted manufacturing operations, restricted cross-border logistics, and temporarily reduced industrial and commercial demand for refrigeration services in 2020. However, essential sectors such as food storage, pharmaceuticals, and medical cold chain continued to rely on legacy systems using R22, providing partial market stability. While the recovery of HVAC and industrial sectors improved demand post-pandemic, long-term consumption remains impacted by regulatory phase-out schedules.

Market Segmentation

1. By Type

Purity 99.8%

High-purity R22 used in critical cooling applications requiring reliable thermal performance and minimal impurities. Common in industrial refrigeration and older centralized HVAC systems.

Purity 99.5%

Standard-grade R22 widely used for servicing commercial and residential air-conditioning units and general refrigeration systems.

Others

Includes blended grades and reclaimed R22 used where regulatory frameworks permit recycling and recharging of older equipment.

2. By Application

Cooling Agent

The dominant application, covering residential air conditioners, commercial HVAC systems, industrial refrigeration, and cold storage units. R22 remains prevalent in older infrastructure that has not yet transitioned to R410A, R32, or other environmentally friendly alternatives.

Fire Extinguishing Agent

Used in certain specialized fire suppression systems due to its non-flammable properties. This segment is niche and shrinking due to environmental regulations.

Pesticides

Employed as an intermediate solvent or carrier in select pesticide formulations, although usage is limited and declining.

Others

Includes cleaning agents, solvents for industrial processes, and specialized chemical intermediates where permitted.

Expanded Key Player Analysis

Chemours

A leading global refrigerant manufacturer with a legacy portfolio that includes R22. The company continues to provide compliant R22 for existing systems while focusing on next-generation low-GWP alternatives.

ComStar

Known for supplying refrigerants, retrofit solutions, and sustainable alternatives, ComStar maintains a presence in the aftermarket for legacy R22-compatible systems.

Arkema

A global specialty chemical company offering a wide range of refrigerants and focusing on synthetic gas technologies. Limited but strategic involvement in regulated HCFC markets.

DuPont

Historically a major player in refrigerants, now operating through successor entities. Provides servicing-grade R22 in markets where legally permitted.

Anhui T.C Refrigerant High-tech Co. Ltd

A significant Chinese producer with strong distribution across Asia, supporting aftermarket servicing for older air-conditioning and refrigeration units.

A.G.F Auto Gas

Supplier specializing in automotive and industrial refrigerants, including R22 for legacy cooling systems.

Refrigerant & Chemical

A company focused on refrigerant distribution and recycling, supporting reclaimed R22 markets where permissible.

Jiangxi Bosheng New Refrigerant Co. Ltd

A Chinese refrigerant producer serving domestic and regional demand for R22 and other HCFCs.

Quzhou Jinyuan Hongtai Refrigerant Co. Ltd

Manufacturer offering industrial-grade R22, with distribution networks across Asia-Pacific.

Hangzhou Elk Refrigerant High-Tech Co. Ltd

Specializes in refrigerant production, including HCFCs, with increasing focus on meeting aftermarket servicing needs.

Regional Analysis

North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

The region is heavily regulated, with R22 largely phased out in production and importation. However, aftermarket demand continues through reclaimed and recycled R22 for legacy equipment. The U.S. market is characterized by high transition rates to R410A, R32, and HFO blends.

Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, etc.)

Europe has strict HCFC phase-out policies, resulting in minimal new supply and shrinking consumption. Reclaimed R22 remains the primary source for essential maintenance. Eastern European countries experience slower transition relative to Western markets.

Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, etc.)

The largest market for R22 due to extensive installed base of older HVAC and refrigeration systems. China and India sustain significant demand, although both are progressing toward phased transition. Southeast Asia still relies heavily on R22 in commercial and industrial cooling.

South America (Brazil, Argentina, etc.)

Moderate demand persists due to slower adoption of alternative refrigerants and continued use of older cooling systems. Transition policies vary across countries, with some still permitting limited R22 import and use.

Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, etc.)

High ambient temperatures sustain demand for HVAC systems, many of which are older R22-based units. Regulatory enforcement is mixed, allowing some continued use of R22 while new systems increasingly shift to environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Executive Summary

The R22 Refrigerant Market is undergoing a controlled decline due to global environmental regulations, yet it continues to maintain measurable commercial relevance through 2035 because of the large installed base of legacy HVAC and refrigeration systems. Although new production is restricted or banned in many regions, service demand for existing equipment, reclamation activities, and regional variations in phase-out timelines sustain short-term and medium-term market value.
While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and industrial operations in 2020, essential cold-chain, food storage, healthcare, and pharmaceutical applications kept aftermarket demand stable. Over the forecast period, the market will continue transitioning toward reclaimed R22 and alternative refrigerants, with growth opportunities concentrated in service, retrofitting, and recycling sectors.

Market Drivers, Restraints, Trends & Opportunities

Market Drivers

1. Large Legacy Equipment Base
   Millions of existing air conditioners, refrigeration units, and industrial cooling systems still use R22, creating ongoing servicing and recharge demand.
2. Aftermarket and Reclamation Demand
   Regulatory frameworks allow continued use of reclaimed R22, supporting recycling plants and service providers.
3. Dependence of Key Sectors on Legacy Systems
   Food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cold-chain infrastructure continue to operate on older systems requiring R22.
4. Cost Constraints on Immediate System Replacement
   Many commercial and residential users delay upgrading equipment due to capital expenditure limitations.

Market Restraints

1. Global Phase-Out Regulations
   The Montreal Protocol and national policies mandate the reduction or elimination of HCFC production, limiting new supply.
2. Shift Toward Low-GWP Alternatives
   Refrigerants like R410A, R32, HFOs, and natural refrigerants reduce long-term market potential for R22.
3. Price Instability
   Reliance on reclaimed or stockpiled R22 leads to unpredictable pricing and potential shortages.
4. Environmental and Safety Concerns
   R22’s ozone-depleting potential drives regulatory scrutiny and reduced acceptance in new systems.

Market Trends

1. Growth in Reclamation and Recycling
   Increased investment in certified reclamation plants to meet aftermarket demand.
2. Accelerated Replacement of Legacy HVAC Systems
   Commercial facilities and residential buildings are gradually shifting to environmentally compliant refrigerants.
3. Rise of Retrofit Solutions
   Retrofit-compatible refrigerant blends and conversion services allow users to extend the lifespan of existing systems.
4. Greater Technical Training and Certification Demand
   Regulations require specialized handling, creating demand for trained technicians.
5. Regional Divergence in Phase-Out Timeline
   Developed regions advance toward complete elimination, while emerging markets phase out at a slower pace.

Market Opportunities

1. Service and Maintenance Ecosystem
   High-value opportunities in leak detection, servicing contracts, and system optimization for legacy units.
2. Reclamation and Recycled Product Supply
   Companies offering certified reclaimed R22 can gain strong aftermarket positioning.
3. Retrofit and Conversion Solutions
   Supporting the transition to newer refrigerants through safe and efficient retrofit services.
4. Emerging Market Demand
   Regions with slower transitions offer near-term service and supply opportunities.

SWOT Analysis

Market-Level SWOT

Strengths

• Widely used legacy refrigerant with broad installed base.
• Stable short-term demand for servicing and repair.
• Applicable across domestic, commercial, and industrial cooling.

Weaknesses

• Environmentally harmful and strictly regulated globally.
• No new system installations allowed in many regions.
• Dependent on reclaimed stock, limiting scalability.

Opportunities

• Growth in reclamation and recycling operations.
• Expansion of aftermarket services and retrofitting solutions.
• Developing economies with slower regulatory enforcement.

Threats

• Rapid adoption of compliant alternatives reducing demand.
• Declining global production and supply uncertainty.
• Increasing regulatory penalties and compliance requirements.

SWOT: Key Players

Strengths

• Established refrigerant production capabilities.
• Strong distribution networks and technical expertise.
• Ability to offer replacement refrigerants and transition solutions.

Weaknesses

• Heavy dependence on declining product category.
• Need for continuous regulatory compliance investments.

Opportunities

• Grow in alternative refrigerant portfolios.
• Expand in reclamation and recycling services.
• Provide technical training and conversion solutions.

Threats

• Market consolidation reducing margins.
• Competition from low-cost, unauthorized suppliers.
• Intensifying global pressure to eliminate HCFCs completely.

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

1. Competitive Rivalry — Moderate

Competition persists among established producers, regional distributors, and reclaimers. Price and availability of reclaimed R22 are central competitive factors.

2. Threat of New Entrants — Low

Strict regulations, certification requirements, and declining long-term demand limit new market entry.

3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers — Moderate

Suppliers of reclaimed or stockpiled R22 hold leverage because of limited new production, but competition among reclaimers moderates this power.

4. Bargaining Power of Buyers — High

Commercial and industrial users can opt to retrofit or replace systems, giving them negotiating leverage. Price sensitivity is high due to the cost of ongoing maintenance.

5. Threat of Substitutes — High

A broad portfolio of alternative refrigerants is available, accelerating R22 displacement across new and retrofit systems.