Fertilizer Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends 2024 To 2033

Fertilizer Market Size and Growth 2024 To 2033

The global fertilizer market size was accounted at USD 205.11 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow around USD 268.47 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.72% from 2024 to 2033.

The fertilizer market encompasses a diverse range of products essential for enhancing soil fertility and promoting crop growth worldwide. Fertilizers are categorized by their nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients, catering to specific agricultural needs. They are applied through various methods such as solid granules or liquid solutions, supporting the cultivation of cereals, vegetables, fruits, and other crops globally. The market is driven by increasing food demand due to population growth, coupled with the need for sustainable agriculture practices. Innovations in fertilizer formulations and application techniques continue to shape the industry's growth trajectory amid evolving environmental and economic challenges.

“Nutrien's CEO expressed optimism due to robust demand and market stabilization in the fertilizer sector. Enhanced mine automation contributed to increased potash production in the first quarter, highlighting Nutrien's strategic response to meet growing product demand.”

“Tony Will, President and CEO of CF Industries, has been elected as the new Chair of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA). CF Industries specializes in hydrogen and nitrogen products for fertilizer and industrial applications, underscoring Will's leadership in the global fertilizer sector.”

Report Highlights

• Asia Pacific has recorded highest revenue share of  51% in 2023.
• North America has covered second highest revenue share of 23% in 2023.
• By Type, organic segment has dominated market with highest revenue share of 91% in 2023.
• By Form, Solid segment has registered highest revenue share of 82% in 2023.

Fertilizer Market Growth Factors

• Population Growth and Food Demand: As global population rises, there is an increasing need for higher agricultural productivity to meet food demand. Fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing crop yields and ensuring food security, particularly in densely populated regions where agricultural intensification is essential for food production.
• Expansion of Agricultural Land: Efforts to expand arable land and reclaim degraded soils in developing regions drive the demand for fertilizers. Fertilizers help improve soil fertility and productivity, enabling farmers to maximize yields from newly cultivated or previously underutilized lands.
• Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations in fertilizer formulations and application technologies contribute to market growth. Advanced fertilizers, such as controlled-release fertilizers and micronutrient-enriched products, improve nutrient efficiency, reduce nutrient losses, and enhance crop resilience to environmental stresses, thereby optimizing agricultural output.
• Government Support and Subsidies: Many governments offer subsidies and support programs to promote fertilizer use among farmers. These initiatives, especially prevalent in emerging economies, aim to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmer income, and ensure food security. Government policies that encourage modern agricultural practices, including efficient fertilizer use, stimulate market growth and adoption rates.
• Environmental Concerns: Heightened awareness of environmental sustainability influences fertilizer market dynamics. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly fertilizers and sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental impact, such as organic fertilizers and bio-based alternatives.

Fertilizer Market Trends

• Technological Advancements in Fertilizer Formulations: Innovations in fertilizer technology, including enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and specialty fertilizers, drive market growth. These advancements improve nutrient uptake by crops, reduce nutrient losses to the environment, and cater to specific soil and crop requirements, thereby increasing agricultural productivity.
• Increasing Adoption of Precision Agriculture: Precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS-guided equipment and sensor-based monitoring systems, optimize fertilizer application. This trend minimizes input wastage, enhances nutrient management, and improves crop yield and quality, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Rising Demand for Organic and Bio-based Fertilizers: Growing consumer preference for organic food and sustainable farming practices boosts the demand for organic and bio-based fertilizers. These products, derived from natural sources like compost, manure, and biochar, contribute to soil health, reduce environmental impact, and cater to the expanding organic farming sector.
• Expansion in Emerging Markets: Increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, present opportunities for market expansion. Rising demand for food products and agricultural intensification drive fertilizer consumption, supported by government initiatives and investments in agricultural infrastructure.
• Focus on Nutrient Recovery and Recycling: The shift towards circular economy principles promotes opportunities in nutrient recovery and recycling technologies. Innovations in nutrient recovery from waste streams and the development of nutrient-efficient fertilizers facilitate sustainable nutrient management practices, reduce dependency on mined resources, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with fertilizer production and use.

Report Scope

Fertilizer Market Dynamics

Drivers

Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience:

• Climate change impacts, such as erratic weather patterns and extreme events, drive the adoption of fertilizers that enhance crop resilience. Fertilizers fortified with stress-tolerant traits or drought-resistant properties help mitigate climate risks, ensuring stable agricultural production and food security amidst changing climatic conditions.

Global Trade and Market Liberalization:

• Liberalization of global trade policies and agreements facilitates the exchange of fertilizers across borders, enabling access to a diverse range of products and technologies. Free trade agreements and market integration initiatives streamline supply chains, reduce trade barriers, and promote competitive pricing, fostering market growth and accessibility to advanced fertilizers worldwide.

Restraints

Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Concerns:

• Stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing nutrient runoff, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions pose challenges for fertilizer manufacturers. Compliance with environmental standards increases production costs and necessitates investments in eco-friendly technologies, impacting profitability and operational efficiency.

Volatility in Raw Material Prices:

• Fluctuations in prices of raw materials such as natural gas (used in nitrogen fertilizer production), phosphate rock, and potash affect fertilizer manufacturing costs. Market volatility and geopolitical factors influencing raw material supply chains can lead to price instability, affecting profit margins and strategic planning within the fertilizer industry.

Opportunities

Integration of Digital Agriculture Technologies:

• The opportunity lies in integrating digital agriculture technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) in fertilizer management. These technologies enable precise and real-time monitoring of soil health, crop nutrient requirements, and weather conditions. Farmers can optimize fertilizer application schedules, reduce input costs, and improve yields, thereby enhancing overall farm productivity and sustainability.

Development of Sustainable and Biodegradable Fertilizers:

• There is a growing opportunity in the development of sustainable and biodegradable fertilizers that minimize environmental impact. Innovations focus on bio-based fertilizers derived from renewable sources, organic residues, or microbial processes. These fertilizers enhance soil health, reduce nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions, and align with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Government incentives and consumer demand for eco-friendly products further drive opportunities for manufacturers investing in sustainable fertilizer solutions.

Challenges

Resistance to Fertilizer Overuse and Nutrient Saturation:

• Overuse and improper application of fertilizers can lead to nutrient saturation in soils, resulting in environmental degradation, nutrient runoff into water bodies, and eutrophication. Addressing farmer behavior and promoting balanced nutrient management practices are ongoing challenges to mitigate these environmental impacts.

Sustainable Nutrient Management in Intensive Agriculture:

• Intensive agriculture practices demand efficient nutrient management to sustain soil health and productivity. Balancing nutrient inputs with crop requirements while minimizing environmental impacts requires integrated approaches, including precision agriculture technologies, nutrient recovery systems, and tailored fertilizer formulations. Developing and promoting sustainable nutrient management practices remains a critical challenge amid increasing global food demand and environmental sustainability goals.

Fertilizer Market Segmental Analysis

Type of Fertilizers Analysis

Nitrogenous Fertilizers: These fertilizers are rich in nitrogen, essential for leaf and stem growth. Trends indicate a growing preference for urea and ammonium nitrate due to their high nitrogen content and cost-effectiveness. Innovations focus on improving nitrogen use efficiency to minimize environmental impact and optimize crop yields in intensive farming systems.

Phosphatic Fertilizers: High in phosphorus, these fertilizers are crucial for root development, flowering, and seed formation. Market trends show increasing use of phosphoric acid-based fertilizers like diammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) due to their solubility and ease of application. There is a push towards developing phosphorus-efficient fertilizers to address global phosphorus scarcity concerns.

Potassic Fertilizers: These fertilizers provide potassium, essential for overall plant health, water regulation, and disease resistance. Demand trends favor potassium chloride (MOP) and potassium sulfate (SOP) for their ability to supply potassium efficiently to crops. Innovations focus on enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency and minimizing chloride toxicity in sensitive crops.

Micronutrient Fertilizers: These fertilizers supply essential trace elements like zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron, vital for specific plant functions such as enzyme activation and photosynthesis. Market trends indicate a rise in demand for chelated micronutrient fertilizers, which enhance nutrient availability and uptake by plants, especially in soils with micronutrient deficiencies.

Others: This category includes specialty fertilizers such as organic and bio-based products, which are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits and suitability for organic farming practices. Trends show increasing consumer demand for organic fertilizers derived from natural sources like compost, manure, and plant residues, driven by concerns over synthetic chemical use and environmental sustainability.

Nutrient Content Analysis

Single Nutrient Fertilizers: These fertilizers provide only one type of nutrient, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Trends show a steady demand for single-nutrient fertilizers tailored to specific crop needs or soil deficiencies, offering simplicity in nutrient management and cost-effectiveness in agricultural applications.

Multi-nutrient Fertilizers: These fertilizers blend multiple nutrients in varying ratios to meet the comprehensive nutritional requirements of crops. Market trends indicate a growing preference for balanced fertilizers that optimize nutrient uptake and enhance crop yields. Innovations focus on developing customized blends that cater to specific soil conditions and crop types, promoting efficient nutrient use and sustainable agricultural practices.

Type Analysis

Solid Fertilizers: The solid fertilizers segment has generated highest market share of 82% in 2023. These fertilizers are in granular or powdered form, applied directly to the soil. Trends indicate a preference for solid fertilizers due to their ease of handling, storability, and precise application methods such as broadcast spreading and drilling. Innovations focus on developing coated and slow-release solid fertilizers to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact through controlled nutrient release.

Liquid Fertilizers: The liquid fertilizers segment has garnered market size of 18% in 2023. These fertilizers are in liquid form, applied via irrigation systems or foliar spraying. Market trends show increasing adoption of liquid fertilizers for their rapid nutrient uptake by plants and ease of application in precision agriculture. There is a growing demand for liquid fertilizers formulated with micronutrients and bio-stimulants to enhance crop nutrition and productivity, particularly in intensive cropping systems.

Others: This category includes specialty fertilizers such as gaseous fertilizers (e.g., ammonia), which are applied through specialized equipment for soil and plant treatment. Trends focus on developing innovative application technologies and formulations for niche agricultural applications, including controlled-release fertilizers, biodegradable fertilizers, and fertilizers tailored for specific soil conditions and crop needs.

Crop Type Analysis

Cereals & Grains: Fertilizers for cereals and grains focus on balanced nutrients to support yield and quality. Trends include the adoption of nitrogenous fertilizers for higher grain production and phosphatic fertilizers for root development. Sustainable practices and precision agriculture technologies are increasingly integrated to optimize nutrient use efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts.

Oilseeds & Pulses: Fertilizers aim to enhance oil and protein content crucial for oilseeds and pulses. Trends show increased use of potassic fertilizers for seed quality improvement and micronutrient fertilizers to address specific crop health needs. There is a growing emphasis on integrated nutrient management systems to tailor fertilizer applications according to crop growth stages and soil conditions.

Fruits & Vegetables: Fertilizers for fruits and vegetables emphasize micronutrients essential for flavor, color, and nutritional value. Trends include the rising popularity of organic fertilizers derived from natural sources to meet consumer preferences for pesticide-free produce. Innovations focus on bio-stimulants and soil conditioners that improve nutrient uptake efficiency and enhance crop resilience against diseases and pests.

Others: Specialty crops such as coffee and spices require tailored fertilizers to optimize quality and yield. Trends indicate a shift towards sustainable fertilization practices and precision agriculture technologies for optimal crop management. Market developments also highlight the importance of nutrient balance and soil health management to support the unique nutritional and growth requirements of specialty crops.

Fertilizer Market Regional Analysis

Why Asia-Pacific is dominating in the fertilizer Market?

The Asia-Pacific fertilizer market size is registered USD 107.50 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach around 136.92 billion by 2033. Asia-Pacific leads global fertilizer consumption, driven by increasing agricultural intensification and initiatives to enhance food security. There is a growing trend towards balanced nutrition in fertilizers, tailored to meet diverse crop needs and soil conditions. Government support through subsidies and investments in agricultural infrastructure and technology further boosts fertilizer use across the region, ensuring agricultural productivity and resilience against climate challenges.

Why North America is experiencing rapid growth in the fertilizer Market?

The North America fertilizer market size is recorded USD 48.48 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass around USD 61.75 billion by 2033. The fertilizer market in North America is characterized by advanced adoption of precision agriculture technologies, facilitating precise fertilizer applications through GPS-guided equipment and data analytics. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, with increasing demand for organic fertilizers and controlled-release nutrients. Stringent environmental regulations also play a crucial role in shaping fertilizer formulations and nutrient management practices, influencing market dynamics and product innovations.

Europe Fertilizer Market Trends

The Europe fertilizer market size is measured USD 37.94 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach around 48.32 billion by 2033. In Europe, there is a notable shift towards organic farming practices, driving the demand for organic and bio-based fertilizers. The region places a strong focus on improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff to minimize environmental impact. Integration of smart farming technologies and digital solutions is gaining traction to enhance fertilizer application precision and support sustainable agriculture initiatives across diverse landscapes.

LAMEA Fertilizer Market Trends

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa): The LAMEA region focuses on expanding arable land and improving soil fertility, contributing to robust demand for essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Market liberalization policies and trade agreements facilitate fertilizer imports and technological advancements, supporting agricultural productivity. With climate resilience a priority, there is increasing adoption of fertilizers designed to enhance crop tolerance to environmental stresses, reinforcing food security measures in the region.

Global Fertilizer Market Top Companies

• K+S Group
• OCI Nitrogen
• EuroChem Group AG
• CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
• Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL)
• Nutrien Ltd.
• The Mosaic Company
• Yara International ASA
• Sinofert Holdings Limited
• Agrium Inc.
• PotashCorp (Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.)
• PhosAgro
• Uralkali
• IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
• Coromandel International Limited

Key players like Nutrien, Yara International, and CF Industries dominate the market due to their extensive production capacities, global distribution networks, and continuous innovation in fertilizer products and technologies. These companies leverage economies of scale to influence pricing and market dynamics, while also investing heavily in research and development to maintain leadership through advanced nutrient formulations and precision agriculture solutions.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Coromandel has launched Cumist Calcium, an organic specialty fertilizer aimed at enhancing soil health and nutrient efficiency. This new product expands Coromandel's specialty fertilizer portfolio, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable and effective agricultural solutions.
• In 2022, ICL signed a significant agreement with India Potash Limited (IPL) to supply 1 million metric tons of Polysulphate through 2026. This partnership aims to support India's organic agriculture program by providing sustainable fertilization solutions.
• In 2022, K+S has entered an agreement with Cinis Fertilizer for synthetic SOP production, with K+S supplying Cinis Fertilizer's entire MOP needs. In return, K+S may purchase up to 600,000 tons of SOP annually from Cinis Fertilizer, enhancing its market position in specialty fertilizers.
• In 2022, ICL signed framework agreements with customers in India and China to supply 600,000 and 700,000 metric tons of potash, respectively, in 2022 at $590 per ton. These agreements reflect ICL's strategic focus on expanding its market presence and meeting growing demand in key Asian markets.

Market Segmentation

By Type of Fertilizers

• Nitrogenous
• Phosphatic
• Potassic
• Micronutrient
• Others

By Type

• Organic
• Inorganic

By Nutrient Content

• Single Nutrient
• Multi-nutrient

By Application

• Solid Fertilizers
• Liquid Fertilizers
• Others

By Crop Type

• Cereals & Grains
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others

By Regions 

• North America
• APAC
• Europe
• LAMEA