Specialty Fertilizers Market Report 2025

The specialty fertilizers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $30.4 billion in 2024 to $32.51 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to crop yield optimization, soil health awareness, government support and subsidies, shift towards precision agriculture, expansion of horticulture and floriculture sectors, environmental sustainability concerns.

The specialty fertilizers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $43.34 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to population growth and food security challenges, emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices, climate change adaptation, rise in organic farming practices, market entry of new players. Major trends in the forecast period include investments in research and development, precision farming technologies, technological advancements in fertilizer production, rise in demand for controlled-release fertilizers, customized fertilizer blends.

A surge in the demand for agricultural products is expected to boost the specialty fertilizers market. This market caters to specialized plant nutrition requirements, aiming to enhance crop yields. Reports from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development predict a 28% increase in agricultural productivity over the next decade to achieve zero hunger goals, with a projected 87% global crop production increase by 2030. This rising demand for agricultural output is a major catalyst for the specialty fertilizers market.

The increasing shift towards organic farming is anticipated to drive growth in the specialty fertilizer market. Organic farming is an agricultural practice that excludes the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Specialty fertilizers approved for organic farming are designed to deliver targeted, organic nutrients that enhance soil fertility and support optimal crop growth without synthetic chemicals. For instance, in May 2023, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reported that the area dedicated to organically grown vegetables grew by 4.8% in 2022, reaching 10,000 hectares compared to 2021. Therefore, the shift towards organic farming is expected to stimulate growth in the specialty fertilizer market.

Technological progression drives the evolution of the specialty fertilizers market as companies adopt innovative solutions. In September 2022, ICL Specialty Fertilizers, an Israeli chemical company specializing in sustainable nutrition and plant protection products, introduced Biodegradable Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) Technology. This advancement, applied to coat urea, enables enhanced yields while reducing fertilizer rates.

Leading companies in the specialty fertilizer market prioritize strategic investments, such as establishing specialty crop nutrition production plants, to address rising demands and expand their clientele. These production plants, dedicated to crafting tailored fertilizers for specific crops, aim to cater to unique nutritional needs. In May 2023, Yara International ASA, a Norwegian chemical company, initiated the construction of a cutting-edge global production facility for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants. This facility aims to bolster food security by enhancing yields and quality while positioning Yara as a significant player in this expanding market.

In October 2022, Nutrien AG, a Canadian provider of crop inputs and services, acquired Casa do Adubo S.A. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition is anticipated to add approximately $400 million in run-rate sales, bringing Nutrien Ag Solutions' annual sales in Latin America to around $2.2 billion. The acquisition aligns with Nutrien’s objective of offering comprehensive solutions for growers, expanding its crop input portfolio and retail operations in the region. Casa do Adubo S.A., a Brazil-based company, supplies a range of products, including cleaning items, field maintenance products, garden utilities, pet nutrition products, leisure items, and irrigation solutions.

Major companies operating in the specialty fertilizers market include Koch Industries Inc., Nutrien Ltd., Yara International ASA, The Mosaic Company, CF Industries Holdings Inc., The OCP Group, EuroChem Group, Sociedad Quimica y Minera SA, Israel Chemicals Ltd., J.R. Simplot Company, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Wilbur-Ellis Company, Nufarm Canada, Coromandel International Limited, Arab Potash Company, Haldor Topsoe A/S, Compo Expert GmbH, Sinochem Group, Valagro S.p.A., Haifa Group, Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC, Miller Chemical & Fertilizer LLC, Kugler Company, Suståne Natural Fertilizer Inc., Van Iperen International, Greenway Biotech Inc., Daymsa, Sapec Agro S.A., Rural Liquid Fertilisers.

North America was the largest region in the specialty fertilizers market in 2024. The regions covered in the specialty fertilizers market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the specialty fertilizers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Specialty fertilizers are formulated to offer targeted and efficient nutrient delivery to plants, supplying essential elements such as iron, manganese, boron, zInc., copper, among others, more effectively than conventional fertilizers.

Specialty fertilizers encompass diverse types such as controlled-release fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, agricultural micronutrients, and customized blends. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are granules designed to gradually release nutrients over an extended duration. They utilize carrier molecules to improve nutrient efficiency. These specialized fertilizers find application across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, turf, ornamentals, and more. They come in dry or liquid forms and are administered through various techniques such as slow-release, n-stabilizers, coated, encapsulated, chelated, applied to soil, foliage, and via fertigation.

The specialty fertilizers market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides specialty fertilizers market statistics, including specialty fertilizers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty fertilizers market share, detailed specialty fertilizers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty fertilizers industry. This specialty fertilizers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The specialty fertilizers market consists of sales of potassium nitrate, mono-potassium phosphate, and urea phosphate. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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