Europe Fertilizer Market Outlook, 2029

Harvesting crops removes essential nutrients from the soil along with them. It is therefore necessary to replenish these nutrients back to the soil during the next seedling. With the use of fertilizers the nutrients are fed back to the crops that they are lacking. The fertilizers play a vital role to increase the yield and ensure healthy produce by bringing the right balance of nutrients to the soil. Fertilizers do not alter the DNA of crops but they improve the growth and quality of the crop by adding important nutrients. The amount of nutrients in the form of fertilizers added is determined by the farmer after analysing the soil and its requirement for particular crop.

Fertilizing in the correct proportion can have a great impact on crops´ yield, appearance and nutritional value. Scarcity of resources, growing sustainability awareness and increased consumer pressure is creating a push towards a circular economy, and Agriculture in not indifferent to this. To further support circular economy progress, market players have also joined the European Sustainable Phosphorous Platform, The Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy, the European Biogas Association and the German Association for Water, Wastewater, and Waste.

According to the research report, the Europe Fertilizer market is anticipated to add to more than USD 6.50 Billion by 2024-29. The fertilizer market in Europe is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by a variety of factors. As the agricultural sector in the region continues to evolve, the demand for efficient and sustainable fertilizer solutions has become increasingly paramount. Europe's shift towards more environmentally-conscious farming practices has led to a surge in the adoption of organic and bio-based fertilizers, which are expected to make up a larger share of the market moving forward.

Additionally, the rising need to maximize crop yields and ensure food security amidst growing population pressures has intensified the reliance on advanced fertilizer technologies. Innovations in precision farming, controlled-release formulations, and nutrient-use efficiency are all trends that are anticipated to shape the European fertilizer landscape. Geopolitical influences, such as the volatility in energy prices and supply chain disruptions, have also put a spotlight on the importance of domestic fertilizer production and distribution within the region. As European nations strive to bolster their agricultural self-sufficiency, the fertilizer industry is likely to witness heightened investment, R&D, and strategic collaborations to meet the evolving needs of farmers and policymakers.

The fertilizer market has experienced notable expansion and evolving trends across its various product categories, particularly within the European region. Ammonium sulfate (AS), a prominent nitrogenous fertilizer, has maintained consistent demand due to its effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yields. In contrast, urea, another vital nitrogenous fertilizer, has witnessed substantial growth attributed to its high nitrogen content and economic viability. Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and ammonium nitrate (AN) have also sustained a strong market presence, providing a balanced supply of nitrogen and calcium essential for plant nutrition.

Within the phosphate sector, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) have remained favored options, offering a critical source of phosphorus necessary for root development and overall plant vitality. Regarding potassium, muriate of potash (MOP) or potassium chloride (KCl) continues to be a widely utilized potassium-based fertilizer, supporting the balanced nutrition of crops. Furthermore, complex fertilizers, which integrate multiple essential nutrients, have gained popularity as farmers increasingly seek comprehensive solutions to meet their soil and crop needs.

The fertilizer market in Europe has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly driven by the application segment. Within this segment, the demand for fertilizers has been particularly strong in the vegetable and fruit, cereals and grains, and oilseeds and pulses sectors. For vegetables and fruits, farmers have increasingly turned to specialized fertilizers that can enhance crop yields and quality, catering to the region's thriving produce industry. Similarly, the cereals and grains sector has witnessed a surge in fertilizer usage as farmers strive to maximize output to meet the dietary needs of the European population.

The oilseeds and pulses segment has also experienced robust growth, as the demand for plant-based oils and protein-rich legumes continues to rise. Beyond these core areas, the 'others' category encompasses a diverse range of applications, such as ornamental plants, turf, and specialty crops, further contributing to the overall expansion of the fertilizer market in Europe. This multifaceted growth across various agricultural sectors underscores the pivotal role that fertilizers play in enhancing crop productivity, quality, and sustainability within the European region.

The physical formulation segment of the fertilizer market in Europe has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for both dry and liquid fertilizer products. The dry fertilizer segment has seen a surge in popularity due to its convenience, ease of application, and versatility in meeting the diverse needs of agricultural producers. These solid formulations, ranging from granules to powders, offer precise nutrient delivery and improved soil integration, catering to a wide array of crop requirements. On the other hand, the liquid fertilizer segment has gained traction for its ability to provide a rapid and targeted nutrient supply, particularly in precision farming practices. These liquid solutions, which can be easily absorbed by plant roots, have become increasingly popular among farmers seeking to optimize their yields and minimize nutrient waste. The growth of both the dry and liquid fertilizer markets in Europe can be attributed to the region's focus on sustainable agriculture, the adoption of advanced farming techniques, and the need to maximize crop productivity to meet the rising food demands of the continent's population

COVID-19 Impacts:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the European fertilizer market has been profound and far-reaching. As countries across the continent grappled with lockdowns, disrupted supply chains, and economic uncertainty, the fertilizer industry found itself at the centre of a complex web of challenges. Demand patterns shifted dramatically, as restrictions on movement and the closure of many industrial and agricultural operations led to a sharp decline in fertilizer consumption, particularly in the key spring application season.

Producers faced difficulties in obtaining crucial raw materials and maintaining operational continuity, as labour shortages and logistical bottlenecks rippled through the industry. The crisis also exposed vulnerabilities in Europe's fertilizer supply, with a heavy reliance on imports from regions like North Africa and the Middle East, which themselves were impacted by the pandemic.

Major Companies present in the market

The Mosaic Company, Yara International, Nutrien Limited, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, OCP Group, CF Industries Holdings, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), National Fertilizers Limited Coromandel International Limited, EuroChem Group, Wesfarmers, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative Limited (IFFCO)

Considered In the Report

• Geography: Europe
• Historical year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecasted year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe fertilizer market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise fertilizer market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered:

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia

By nutrient in the report

• Nitrogenous fertilizer (Urea, ammonium sulphate, Calcium ammonium nitrate/ ammonium nitrate, others UAN, anhydrous ammonia etc.)
• Phosphate fertilizer (Diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, others phosphate rock, superphosphates etc.)
• Potash fertilizer (Muriate of potash/potassium chloride, sulphate of potash others potassium nitrate etc.)
• Complex fertilizer (NPK, NK, PK, NP compounds etc.)

By Product type in the report:

• Urea
• Ammonium sulphate
• Calcium ammonium nitrate/ Ammonium nitrate
• Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)
• Mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP)
• Muriate of potash (MOP)/ (KCl)
• Sulphate of potash (SOP)
• Complex (NPK, NK, PK, NP)

By physical formulation in the report:

• Dry
• Liquid

By Application in the report:

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

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to fertilizer industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.