
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Onshore, Offshore), By Service Type (Physical Treatment, Chemical Treatment, Biological Treatment, Advanced Oxidation Process, Membrane Technology), By Application (Produced Water Treatment, Drilling Waste Management, Flowback Water Treatment, Fracking Water Treatment), By Technology (Reverse Osmosis, Electrocoagulation, Hydrocyclone Separation, Dissolved Air Flotation, Settling Ponds), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market is projected to grow from USD 48.7 Billion in 2025 to USD 79.2 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% from 2026 through 2035. The market encompasses the comprehensive range of services dedicated to managing and treating the various forms of wastewater generated during oil and gas exploration, production, and refining activities. This includes produced water, drilling fluids, and other process water, all requiring specialized treatment to meet stringent environmental regulations and facilitate water reuse. A primary driver for this growth is the increasing global energy demand, which continues to fuel upstream oil and gas activities, consequently generating higher volumes of wastewater. Furthermore, the global push towards environmental sustainability and stricter regulatory frameworks regarding discharge limits for hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other contaminants are compelling operators to invest in advanced treatment solutions. The market is segmented by service type, application, technology, and end use, providing a granular view of its diverse offerings. Within these segments, produced water treatment dominates the market, reflecting the significant volume and complexity of this specific waste stream.
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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Several important trends are shaping the trajectory of the oilfield wastewater treatment service market. There is a growing emphasis on adopting advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and biological treatments, to achieve higher efficiency and lower operational costs. The circular economy principles are also gaining traction, with a focus on maximizing water reuse and recovery of valuable resources from wastewater, thereby reducing freshwater demand and minimizing environmental impact. However, the market faces certain restraints, including the high capital expenditure associated with implementing sophisticated treatment technologies and the fluctuating prices of oil and gas, which can impact investment decisions by exploration and production companies. The complexity of wastewater compositions, which vary significantly depending on the well's geological characteristics and production methods, also presents a persistent challenge in developing universally applicable treatment solutions.
Despite these challenges, the market presents significant opportunities. The development of unconventional oil and gas resources, particularly shale gas and tight oil, generates substantial volumes of produced water, creating a strong demand for specialized treatment services. Additionally, technological advancements in real time monitoring and automation are improving the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes. North America currently leads the market, driven by its extensive shale plays and a well established regulatory environment that mandates rigorous wastewater management. The Middle East and Africa region is emerging as the fastest growing market due to increasing investment in new oil and gas projects, coupled with a growing awareness and implementation of environmental regulations. Key players such as Civeo Corporation, Oasis Midstream, ExxonMobil, H2O Innovation, Innovative Environmental Services, Baker Hughes, SUEZ, Aquatech International, Weatherford International, and Apache Corporation are actively pursuing strategies that include technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion into new geographical markets to capitalize on these opportunities and maintain competitive advantage. Their focus remains on delivering cost effective, environmentally compliant, and efficient wastewater treatment solutions to the evolving oil and gas industry.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 48.7 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 79.2 BillionLeading Segment:
Produced Water Treatment (68.4% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
6.4%
What is Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service?
Oilfield wastewater treatment service addresses the contaminated water generated during oil and gas exploration and production. This service involves various physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove hydrocarbons, dissolved solids, heavy metals, and other pollutants. The treated water is then safely discharged, reused for industrial purposes, or re-injected for enhanced oil recovery. This service is critical for environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and sustainable resource management, mitigating pollution risks to soil and water bodies while optimizing operational efficiency for the energy industry. It transforms hazardous byproducts into manageable or reusable resources.
What are the Trends in Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market
Digitization Drives Wastewater Optimization
Zero Liquid Discharge ZLD Ascendancy
ESG Pressures Spur Sustainable Solutions
Decentralized Systems Gain Traction
Digitization Drives Wastewater Optimization
Digitalization enhances wastewater treatment. Sensors monitor processes, while analytics optimize chemical use and energy consumption. AI driven systems predict equipment failures and automate operations, leading to more efficient water purification and reduced costs. This minimizes environmental impact and improves operational performance for oilfield operators.
Zero Liquid Discharge ZLD Ascendancy
Zero Liquid Discharge ZLD is gaining traction as a superior solution in oilfield wastewater treatment. Stricter environmental regulations and increasing water scarcity drive its adoption. ZLD minimizes waste, recovers valuable water, and reduces the environmental footprint of oil and gas operations. Companies are investing in ZLD technologies to improve sustainability, enhance resource efficiency, and comply with evolving discharge standards, leading to its growing market presence.
ESG Pressures Spur Sustainable Solutions
ESG demands are pushing the oilfield wastewater treatment sector towards sustainable solutions. Companies face increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and the public to minimize environmental impact. This fuels innovation in water recycling, resource recovery, and reduced chemical usage, driving the adoption of advanced, eco friendly treatment technologies across the industry to meet these growing expectations.
Decentralized Systems Gain Traction
Decentralized systems are gaining traction as companies favor localized, modular treatment solutions over large central plants. This shift allows for more flexible, site specific wastewater management, optimizing operational efficiency and reducing long distance transportation costs. Localized treatment also addresses increasingly stringent environmental regulations by tailoring solutions directly at the source, improving compliance and minimizing discharge risks. This trend empowers individual operators with greater control over their wastewater processes.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market
Stringent Environmental Regulations and Discharge Standards
Growing Water Scarcity and Demand for Produced Water Reuse
Advancements in Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Innovation
Increasing Global Oil and Gas Production Activities
Stringent Environmental Regulations and Discharge Standards
Stricter government rules globally regarding wastewater discharge compel oil and gas companies to invest in advanced treatment solutions. These regulations often specify acceptable contaminant levels, driving demand for specialized services to avoid hefty fines, operational shutdowns, and reputational damage. Compliance necessitates upgrading existing systems and adopting innovative technologies to meet ever evolving environmental mandates for produced water and other effluents.
Growing Water Scarcity and Demand for Produced Water Reuse
Increasing global water scarcity intensifies the need for alternative water sources. Oil and gas operations, historically significant water consumers, face heightened pressure to reduce freshwater intake. This fuels demand for treating produced water for reuse in operations like fracturing, driving the growth of the oilfield wastewater treatment service market. Regulatory pressures further reinforce this trend.
Advancements in Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Innovation
New methods for removing contaminants from oilfield wastewater are emerging. These advanced technologies like membrane filtration, biological treatment, and electrocoagulation offer greater efficiency and regulatory compliance. Innovation drives demand for specialized services, improving water reuse possibilities and reducing environmental impact for oil and gas operations globally.
Increasing Global Oil and Gas Production Activities
Rising global demand for oil and gas fuels exploration and extraction. This intensified production generates significantly more wastewater requiring treatment. Companies are investing more in advanced treatment services to meet environmental regulations and optimize operations amidst increasing output.
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Restraints
Stringent Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance Costs
Oilfield wastewater treatment faces significant hurdles from strict governmental regulations. These frameworks often mandate specific treatment standards for discharge, requiring advanced and costly technologies. Companies must navigate complex permitting processes and face penalties for non-compliance. This creates substantial financial burdens and operational complexities, increasing overheads and potentially delaying project implementation. The continuous need to adapt to evolving environmental laws adds further pressure on service providers, impacting profitability and market entry.
High Capital Expenditure and Operational Costs of Advanced Treatment Technologies
Implementing cutting edge wastewater treatment in oilfields demands substantial financial outlays. The initial investment for advanced technologies like membrane filtration or chemical oxidation is very high. Furthermore, these sophisticated systems incur significant ongoing operational costs due to energy consumption, specialized chemicals, and skilled labor requirements. This elevated expenditure acts as a major barrier for oil and gas companies, particularly those with tighter budgets, making them hesitant to adopt newer, more effective treatment solutions despite their environmental benefits.
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Opportunities
Market for Advanced Produced Water Treatment and Reuse Technologies
The market for advanced produced water treatment and reuse technologies offers significant opportunity. Increasing global oilfield activity, particularly in water scarce regions like the Middle East and Africa, drives the critical need for efficient water management. These innovative technologies transform produced water from a waste stream into a valuable resource for various reuses. This reduces operational costs, minimizes environmental impact, and lessens reliance on freshwater sources. Providers of these sustainable solutions can capture substantial value by addressing rising regulatory pressures and industry demands for responsible water practices.
Opportunities in Smart & Sustainable Oilfield Wastewater Management Services
The global oilfield wastewater treatment market offers a significant opportunity in smart and sustainable management services. Providers can leverage advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and automation to optimize treatment processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure stringent environmental compliance. Focusing on water reuse, resource recovery, and minimizing ecological impact through innovative solutions is crucial. This addresses increasing regulatory scrutiny and the industry's drive for greener operations, especially in regions with rapid growth in oil and gas production activities, creating substantial scope for specialized service providers to meet these evolving demands.
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Service Type
- •Physical Treatment
- •Chemical Treatment
- •Biological Treatment
- •Advanced Oxidation Process
- •Membrane Technology
By Application
- •Produced Water Treatment
- •Drilling Waste Management
- •Flowback Water Treatment
- •Fracking Water Treatment
By Technology
- •Reverse Osmosis
- •Electrocoagulation
- •Hydrocyclone Separation
- •Dissolved Air Flotation
- •Settling Ponds
By End Use
- •Onshore
- •Offshore
Segment Share By Service Type
Share, By Service Type, 2025 (%)
- Physical Treatment
- Chemical Treatment
- Biological Treatment
- Advanced Oxidation Process
- Membrane Technology

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Why is Produced Water Treatment dominating the Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market?
Produced water treatment commands a substantial share of the market due to its inherent volume and complex composition. This wastewater stream is an unavoidable byproduct generated throughout the entire lifespan of an oil and gas well, far surpassing other types of operational wastewater. Its high salinity, dissolved solids, hydrocarbons, and sometimes naturally occurring radioactive materials necessitate extensive and continuous treatment, making it the most critical and resource intensive application area within the sector.
How do different Service Types and Technologies cater to the diverse needs of oilfield wastewater?
The market segments by Service Type including Physical, Chemical, Biological Treatment, Advanced Oxidation Process, and Membrane Technology, each address specific contaminant profiles and regulatory requirements. Complementing these, Technology segments like Reverse Osmosis, Electrocoagulation, Hydrocyclone Separation, Dissolved Air Flotation, and Settling Ponds offer a suite of specialized tools. This varied offering allows service providers to tailor solutions, from initial solids removal to advanced purification, adapting to the unique challenges presented by different water sources and desired discharge standards.
What distinctions arise in the demand for treatment services across Onshore and Offshore End Use applications?
The End Use segmentation into Onshore and Offshore environments significantly impacts treatment service requirements. Onshore operations often benefit from more readily available land for larger treatment facilities and a broader choice of disposal or reuse options. Conversely, offshore platforms face severe space constraints, stricter discharge regulations for environmental protection, and higher logistical complexities, driving demand for compact, efficient, and highly reliable treatment systems capable of meeting stringent marine environmental standards.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market
Global oilfield wastewater treatment is driven by stringent environmental regulations and evolving policy landscapes. Governments worldwide, through agencies like the US EPA and EU directives, impose strict discharge limits on pollutants such as oil and grease, suspended solids, and heavy metals. Permitting requirements for treatment and disposal are rigorous. A growing emphasis on water scarcity and circular economy principles is fostering policies that incentivize treated water reuse and recycling for industrial operations, including hydraulic fracturing. National legislations increasingly mandate best available technologies to minimize environmental impact. ESG considerations are also amplifying demand for sustainable treatment solutions, pushing operators towards compliance and advanced processes to meet ever tightening environmental protection standards.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market?
Innovations are rapidly reshaping global oilfield wastewater treatment. Advanced membrane technologies like ceramic and forward osmosis enhance water recovery and purity. Electrocoagulation and advanced oxidation processes offer superior contaminant removal efficiency. Biological solutions, including anaerobic membrane bioreactors and algae based systems, reduce chemical reliance. Real time monitoring via IoT and AI driven process optimization boost operational intelligence. The industry increasingly focuses on produced water reuse for fracking and valuable mineral extraction, supporting a circular economy. Zero liquid discharge solutions minimize environmental impact, showcasing a shift towards sustainable and cost effective treatment. These technological advancements are pivotal to market expansion.
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Regional Analysis
Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market
Trends, by Region

North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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North America dominates the oilfield wastewater treatment service market with a 38.2% share, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a mature oil and gas industry. The region, particularly the US and Canada, heavily utilizes advanced treatment technologies like biological, chemical, and physical methods to manage produced water and fracking flowback. This high adoption is fueled by a strong focus on water recycling and disposal, alongside significant R&D investments into innovative solutions. Regulatory pressures, particularly concerning unconventional resource development, further solidify North America's leading position and continued growth in this essential service sector.
Europe's oilfield wastewater treatment market exhibits regional nuances. The North Sea, a mature basin, focuses on enhanced oil recovery and produced water treatment for reinjection or discharge, driven by stringent environmental regulations. Eastern Europe, with its growing conventional and unconventional plays, emphasizes cost-effective, land-based solutions like chemical treatment and filtration, often with less stringent discharge limits compared to Western Europe. Technological adoption varies, with Western Europe leading in advanced membrane and biological treatments, while Eastern Europe leans towards more conventional, proven methods. The service market is characterized by a mix of international players and local specialists, adapting to diverse operational scales and regulatory landscapes across the continent.
Asia Pacific's oilfield wastewater treatment market is booming, driven by increasing drilling activities and stringent environmental regulations across the region. China and India are key growth engines, with their expanding upstream sectors demanding advanced treatment solutions. Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia and Malaysia are also significant contributors, facing challenges like produced water management and ensuring regulatory compliance. The region sees strong adoption of chemical treatment, physical separation, and biological methods. Furthermore, technological advancements in water reuse and ZLD systems are gaining traction, spurred by rising water scarcity and the need for sustainable practices. This growth is attracting both global and regional service providers.
Latin America's oilfield wastewater treatment market is driven by increasing E&P activities in Brazil (pre-salt), Mexico, and Colombia. Stricter environmental regulations, particularly regarding produced water discharge and reinjection, are fostering technology adoption. Key regional demands include advanced treatment for high TDS and oil content, along with water reuse solutions for hydraulic fracturing (Argentina's Vaca Muerta) and enhanced oil recovery. Local players and international service providers are capitalizing on this growing need for sustainable water management, focusing on both onshore and offshore applications, and promoting innovation in membrane filtration and biological treatments to meet stringent local discharge limits.
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is experiencing significant growth in the oilfield wastewater treatment market due to increasing oil and gas production, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Nigeria. Stricter environmental regulations and water scarcity concerns drive the adoption of advanced treatment technologies like zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and produced water treatment for reuse. Major investments in upstream activities and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects further fuel demand. The market is characterized by a mix of international and local service providers, with a growing emphasis on cost-effective and sustainable solutions to manage high volumes of produced water and reduce the environmental footprint.
Top Countries Overview
The US oilfield wastewater treatment market is expanding, driven by environmental regulations and advanced technologies. Companies offer services like recycling and disposal, targeting shale and conventional plays. This segment is growing due to increasing water cut and demand for sustainable practices in global operations.
China drives innovation in oilfield wastewater treatment services globally. Its domestic market fuels technological advancements and operational expertise. Chinese companies are expanding internationally offering cost effective and advanced solutions to meet stringent environmental regulations and rising demand for sustainable practices in the oil and gas industry.
India's global oilfield wastewater treatment market is expanding, driven by stringent environmental regulations and rising water scarcity. Service providers focus on advanced technologies like membrane filtration and bioremediation to manage complex effluents, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable water management across the industry.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical stability in major oil producing regions directly impacts wastewater volumes, with increased drilling spurred by higher oil prices leading to greater demand for treatment services. Environmental regulations across nations, driven by climate change concerns, further shape market growth, mandating advanced treatment technologies.
Macroeconomic factors like global economic growth influence oil demand, consequently affecting exploration and production activity and the associated wastewater generation. Technological advancements in treatment, coupled with fluctuating operational costs, also determine market competitiveness and service affordability.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
H2O Innovation announced a strategic partnership with Baker Hughes to integrate their advanced water treatment technologies with Baker Hughes' comprehensive oilfield services. This collaboration aims to offer a more holistic and efficient wastewater management solution for upstream operations globally.
- February 2025
SUEZ acquired a significant stake in Innovative Environmental Services, a specialist in mobile wastewater treatment units for remote oilfield locations. This acquisition expands SUEZ's footprint in the North American market and strengthens its capacity to deliver flexible, on-demand treatment solutions.
- April 2025
Weatherford International unveiled its new 'EcoFlow Filtration System,' a modular and highly customizable product designed for efficient removal of suspended solids and oil from produced water. This system boasts lower energy consumption and a smaller footprint, making it ideal for various oilfield applications.
- January 2025
ExxonMobil, in collaboration with a consortium of technology startups, launched a pilot program focused on developing advanced membrane technologies for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) wastewater treatment. The initiative seeks to achieve higher water reuse rates and reduce the environmental impact of EOR operations.
- May 2025
Aquatech International announced a strategic initiative to invest heavily in digitalization and AI-driven predictive maintenance for their oilfield wastewater treatment plants. This aims to optimize operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and provide real-time performance insights for clients.
Key Players Analysis
Civeo Corporation and Oasis Midstream are key players providing water management services, often utilizing advanced mobile treatment units. ExxonMobil and Apache Corporation, as major E&P companies, drive demand for these services and may develop in-house solutions or partner with specialists. H2O Innovation, Innovative Environmental Services, SUEZ, and Aquatech International are crucial technology providers offering dissolved air flotation, membrane filtration, and biological treatment systems. Baker Hughes and Weatherford International are oilfield service giants providing comprehensive solutions including water treatment alongside drilling and completion services. Strategic initiatives include modular designs, remote monitoring, and water reuse technologies to address increasing environmental regulations and water scarcity, fueling market growth.
List of Key Companies:
- Civeo Corporation
- Oasis Midstream
- ExxonMobil
- H2O Innovation
- Innovative Environmental Services
- Baker Hughes
- SUEZ
- Aquatech International
- Weatherford International
- Apache Corporation
- Veolia Environnement
- Clean Harbors
- Halliburton
- Petrofac
- Schlumberger
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 48.7 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 79.2 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 6.4% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Service Type, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Oilfield Wastewater Treatment Service Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
