Fertilizers Market - Forecast(2022 - 2027)

Fertilizers Market size is forecast to reach $202.89 million by 2026 after growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during 2021-2026. Global nutrient demand, poor economic outlook, depressing crop prices, increasing market pressure, and unpredictable energy prices; are the prime factors fueling the demand of fertilizers. Further, presence of limited arable land with ever-increasing food demand due to rise in population has put pressure to increase food productivity, which resulted in increased usage of fertilizers.

The report: “Fertilizers Market - Forecast (2021-2026)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Fertilizers industry.

By Type: Organic Fertilizers, Inorganic Fertilizers, and Bio-Fertilizers. 

By Form: Granules, Liquid, Gaseous and Others. 

By Method of Application: Foliar Spraying, Fertigation, Sowing, Broadcasting, Spraying, Drip Method, and Others

By Application: Agriculture, Gardens, Sports Fields, and Others

By Crop Type: Horticulture Crops, Cash Crops, Cereals, Turfs and Ornamental Crops, Plantation Crops, and Others.

By Geography: North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and RoW.

• Asia Pacific dominates the fertilizers market owing to rapid increase in food demand and agriculture industry. 
• The major technological innovations in the industry, along with growing demand for bio-based and micronutrient fertilizers, are expected to drive the market. 
• The market drivers and restraints have been assessed to understand their impact over the forecast period. 
• The report further identifies the key opportunities for growth while also detailing the key challenges and possible threats.
• The other key areas of focus include the various applications and end-use industry in Fertilizers market and their specific segmented revenue.

Inorganic fertilizers held the largest share of more than 50% in the fertilizers market in 2020. Nutrient management is a key issue in sustainable soil fertility. The global supply of ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash is estimated at around 270 million tons from a total capacity of 310 to 315 million tons. Of all the regions, the demand for nitrogen fertilizers was the highest in the Americas, South Asia and Western Europe. Nevertheless, small supply surpassed demand in these markets. Chemical fertilizers face some risks from a health point of view. While it contributes to plant growth and improves yield, it shakes soil pH at the back of long-term use; repeated applications appear to lead to the build-up of toxic chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium and uranium in the soil; and the risk of over-use of fertilizers can disrupt the entire microbial environment, causing pests to rise and contribute to greenhouse gases.

Liquid held the largest share in the Fertilizers market in 2020. The liquid formulation held the largest share in the fertilizers market. The ease of application and transportation are the key drivers for the growth of the liquid formulations segment. Farmers have been using it for many years, as it is easy and safe to handle in comparison with dry formulation. With the increase in organic farming and increased acreages under precision irrigation technologies. They are adaptable to any type of sprayer, ranging from portable sprayers to hydraulic spraying machines. They are relatively easier to handle for treating large areas, which is the main reason for dominating the fertilizers market.

Cereals held the largest share in the Fertilizers market in 2020 growing at a CAGR of 5.6%. Since cereals are grown in almost all countries, the global demand for insecticides is high for them. On a global level, the total cereal production has been increasing, and with the growth in cereal production and consumption, it has become important for producers to focus more on its yield and quality by using effective fertilizers. The cereals and grains are witnessing growth as they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and are used in large amounts in animal feed. The increase in demand for food and decline in arable land has prompted the increase in demand for fertilizers to meet the demand and reduce scarcity of foods. Therefore, farmers have been using fertilizers in combination with conventional chemicals, which has helped them in achieving no residue crops with internationally accepted standards. This factor will drive the growth of the fertilizers market in the forecast period.  

Asia-Pacific (APAC) dominated the Fertilizers market consisting market share of 42% in 2020 followed by North America and Europe. In Asia, rice is a large nitrogen-consuming crop. Due to growing concerns about the current pattern of use of fertilizers, heavy dependence on nitrogen fertilizers, poor nutritional management, lack of additional inputs, declining soil fertility, and weak marketing and distribution systems, all of these have emerged as major constraints to improve fertilizer efficiency in the region. These concerns have given way to biofertilizers and micronutrient fertilizers to grow and fuel the fertilizer market in the region. World markets are still suffering from the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe. The fertilizer sector has been affected from the outset, mainly in China, which is the largest producer and user of phosphates, sulphur and sulphuric acid, while Brazil and India will continue to do so. 

The agriculture industry is limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and is gradually embracing organic and biofertilizers globally to encourage not only plant growth but also soil health. These are also referred to as "soil conditioners" made from plant or animal waste due to their capacity to retain water and nutrients for a long time. In addition, organic fertilizers are less harmful, quickly decomposed, reusable, safe and environmentally friendly and can be stored for a longer period of time due to their ability to withstand temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius or more.

Major fertilizer suppliers are increasing their R&D spending due to stringent regulations and product complexities since sales of fertilizer products vary depending on the climatic conditions and crop variance. In addition, leading suppliers are introducing newer technologies at their production plants in order to increase capacity and reduce production costs.

The fertilizer prices of all three, including ammonia, DAP and potash, increased on the back of tight supply and strong demand in 2018 over different periods. In the third quarter of 2018, the prices of ammonia increased at the back of several plant changes, resulting in a tight supply. Further, potash prices remained firm in the second quarter of 2019 on the back of overall supply tightness. The current situation of fertilizers had indicated higher costs in 2019 as the production prices of ammonia, DAP and potash has increased in 2019.

Fertilizers produce hazardous waste and EPA guidelines set limits for the amounts of heavy metals and other harmful compounds that may be found in fertilizer products. These concentration limits are based on the best demonstrated available technology to reduce the toxicity and mobility of hazardous constituents. In U.S the regulations on the use of hazardous waste in fertilizers may be stricter than the Federal guidelines, because regulations that are more stringent and/or wider in scope than the Federal regulations may be implemented by States.

Technology launches, acquisitions and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Fertilizers market. In 2020 the Fertilizers market has been consolidated by the top five players accounting for xx% of the share. Major players in the Fertilizers market are Yara International ASA, The Mosaic Company, Nutrien Limited, K+S AG, Bayer, and Groupe OCP, among others.

• In November 2017, Yara International has acquired Agronomic Technology Corp (ATC). The acquisition has expanded the product portfolio of Yara International as well as strengthened its global presence. 
• In April 2019, Huber Engineered Materials acquired Miller Chemical & Fertilizer, LLC. Miller manufactures and distributes crop protection and nutritional agrichemical products designed to improve plant and crop production quality and yield. Miller sells its products into the farming and agricultural industries in more than 90 countries via its global sales force of skilled agronomists and distributors and targets the high-value segment of fruits, nuts and vegetables. The acquisition has strengthened the product portfolio of Huber Engineered Materials and its global outreach.