Ammonium Nitrate Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Granular Ammonium Nitrate, Prilled Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate Solution, Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), Mixed Ammonium Nitrate and Other Types), Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Ammonium Nitrate Market is accounted for $32.61 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $38.27 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula NH₄NO₃. It appears as a white, crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water. Primarily used as a fertilizer, it provides essential nitrogen to plants, enhancing growth. Ammonium nitrate is also employed in explosives and pyrotechnics due to its oxidizing properties, which can accelerate combustion. Its use is regulated to prevent accidents and misuse.
According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in 2016, China was recorded as the largest nitrogen fertilizer consuming countries in the world.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Rising economic activities and infrastructure development
Economic expansion boosts agricultural productivity as farmers seek efficient fertilizers to enhance crop yields. Simultaneously, infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and mining operations require ammonium nitrate for construction and excavation activities. This heightened demand drives production and consumption, fostering market growth. Additionally, the development of new infrastructure creates opportunities for market expansion in emerging economies, further stimulating demand for ammonium nitrate.
Restraint:
Volatility in raw material prices
Volatility in raw material prices for ammonium nitrate arises from fluctuating costs of natural gas, ammonia, and nitric acid, which are essential for its production. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and market demand shifts can cause significant price swings. This instability hampers market growth by increasing production costs and affecting profit margins for manufacturers. Unpredictable raw material costs also lead to pricing uncertainty for consumers, potentially reducing demand and causing market instability.
Opportunity:
Growing adoption of advanced farming techniques
The growing adoption of advanced farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and controlled-environment farming increases the demand for high-efficiency fertilizers. These techniques optimize nutrient application, enhancing crop yields and ensuring effective use of fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate, with its high nitrogen content, meets the precise nutritional needs of crops, supporting their growth and productivity. As farmers seek to maximize outputs and sustainability, the demand for ammonium nitrate as a key component in these technologies rises.
Threat:
Competition from alternatives
Alternatives to ammonium nitrate include urea, ammonium sulfate, and calcium nitrate, each offering different benefits for fertilization. These alternatives may offer benefits such as lower risk of volatility in prices and reduced environmental impact, making them attractive to farmers. Additionally, organic fertilizers and bio-based options are gaining popularity due to their sustainable practices. The growing preference for these alternatives hampers ammonium nitrate market growth by increasing competition, leading to price pressures and reducing market share.
Covid-19 Impact
The covid-19 pandemic disrupted the ammonium nitrate market by causing supply chain interruptions and reducing production capacity. Lockdowns and restrictions led to delays in manufacturing and transportation. However, increased demand for agricultural products as food security became a priority partially offset these disruptions. The pandemic also highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulatory compliance in handling hazardous materials.
The granular ammonium nitrate segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The granular ammonium nitrate segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. Granular ammonium nitrate is a solid, nitrogen-rich fertilizer used extensively in agriculture to enhance plant growth. Its granular form ensures even distribution and efficient application. It provides essential nitrogen to crops, promoting healthy development and high yields. Besides agriculture, it is also used in industrial applications such as explosives for mining and construction. Its effectiveness is tempered by the need for careful handling due to its potential safety risks and environmental impact.
The fertilizers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The fertilizers segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Ammonium nitrate is a popular nitrogen-rich fertilizer used to enhance crop growth and yield. It provides essential nitrogen, promoting vigorous plant development and improved protein content in crops. Its high solubility ensures quick absorption by plants, making it effective for both granular and liquid applications. However, its use requires careful management to prevent environmental issues such as nitrate leaching and water pollution.
Region with largest share:
In the Asia-Pacific region, the ammonium nitrate market is driven by rapid agricultural expansion and increasing demand for fertilizers to boost crop yields. The region's growing industrial activities, including mining and construction, also contribute to market growth. Countries like China and India are major consumers due to their large agricultural and industrial sectors. Further, the region's economic development supports continued market growth.
Region with highest CAGR:
In North America, the ammonium nitrate market is significantly driven by robust agricultural activity and the need for high-performance fertilizers to boost crop yields. The industrial sector also contributes, with applications in mining and construction. The U.S. and Canada are major consumers, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies and well-established supply chains. Further, the region’s agricultural and industrial demands sustain growth in the ammonium nitrate market.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Ammonium Nitrate Market include Orica, Yara International, CF Industries, Nutrien, EuroChem Group, Acron, Enaex, BCF Life Sciences, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Group DF, Chemtrade Logistics Inc., OCI Nitrogen and Fertiberia.
Key Developments:
In November 2023, PJSC “Rivneazot” which is a part of Group DF nitrogen business enterprises launched ammonium nitrate and ammonia workshops after large-scale modernization. The new workshops are equipped with advanced technologies and processes designed to improve product quality and reduce environmental impact. This initiative aligns with Group DF's strategy to strengthen its position in the nitrogen sector and maintain competitiveness in the global market.
In September 2023, Fertiberia announced a collaboration with Orica to supply this TAN to Orica, one of the world’s leading suppliers of mining and infrastructure solutions. The special feature of this low-carbon TAN, which is produced at Fertiberia’s plant in Puertollano (Ciudad Real) and will be used in the mining and civil infrastructure markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is that it is produced from renewable hydrogen, replacing natural gas.
Types Covered:
• Granular Ammonium Nitrate
• Prilled Ammonium Nitrate
• Ammonium Nitrate Solution
• Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO)
• Mixed Ammonium Nitrate
• Other Types
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Direct Sales
• Distributors & Dealers
• Online Channels
• Industrial Supply Companies
• Other Distribution Channels
Applications Covered:
• Fertilizers
• Explosives
• Chemical Intermediates
• Pharmaceuticals
• Water Treatment
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Construction
• Food & Beverages
• Defense Sector
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements