The Nitric Acid segmentation by application reflects the chemical’s core industrial roles and drives the majority of market revenue. Fertilizer production accounts for roughly 45 % of total demand, as nitric acid is a primary feedstock for ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate, both essential for high‑yield crop cycles. Explosives & defense consumes about 20 %, supplying nitric acid for nitroglycerin, trinitrotoluene (TNT), and propellant manufacturing, where purity and concentration directly affect performance. Metal processing, representing 15 %, utilizes the acid for pickling, etching, and surface preparation of steel, aluminum, and copper alloys, where the corrosive efficiency translates into cost‑effective material handling. Chemical synthesis (12 %) includes the production of adipic acid, caprolactam, and various organic intermediates, where nitric acid functions as a nitrating agent and oxidizer. The remaining Other segment (8 %) captures niche uses such as laboratory reagents, wastewater treatment, and specialty coatings, each contributing marginally but collectively supporting market diversification.