According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Micronutrients Fertilizers Market is accounted for $4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $7.6 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. Specialized fertilizers known as micronutrient fertilizers supply vital trace elements that plants need in trace amounts for optimum growth, development, and yield. These nutrients include zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine, which improve photosynthesis, enzyme activity, and plant metabolism in general. To address deficiencies and boost crop productivity, they are applied through fertigation, foliar sprays, or soil.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Agricultural Outlook 2019-2028, there is a projected 15% increase in the global demand for agricultural products in the coming decade.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Growing demand for high-yield crops
The increasing global population and food security concerns are driving the demand for high-yield crops, directly boosting the micronutrient fertilizers market. Farmers are recognizing that micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese are essential for improving crop yields and quality. According to the UN, the world population may exceed 9 billion by 2050, putting immense pressure on agricultural productivity. This population growth, combined with shrinking arable land, has necessitated the use of more efficient fertilizers to increase crop yields.
Restraint:
Lack of awareness among farmers
Limited knowledge about micronutrient benefits and proper application methods significantly hinders market growth, particularly in developing regions. Studies indicate that 34% of farmers know about standard nutrient recommendations while 66% lack this knowledge. Many farmers, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the consequences of micronutrient deficiencies and their impact on crop yields. This knowledge gap results in improper application or underutilization of micronutrients, leading to suboptimal agricultural outcomes.
Opportunity:
Development of sustainable & bio-based micronutrients
The market is witnessing innovations in biodegradable chelates and environmentally friendly formulations. New technologies, such as cellulose-bound micronutrients that enable slow release through natural soil microbes, are emerging. This advancement supports regenerative farming, improves soil health, and addresses climate change concerns while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Threat:
High cost of micronutrient fertilizers
The complex production process involving precise amounts of nutrients, advanced manufacturing techniques, and quality control measures makes these fertilizers capital-intensive. The sophisticated manufacturing processes, unique formulations, and use of high-quality raw materials result in higher prices compared to conventional fertilizers, making them less accessible to small-scale and cost-conscious farmers. Additionally, rising R&D expenses for slow-release coatings and chelation technologies exacerbate pricing pressures, limiting adoption to large commercial farms in developed regions.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic disrupted agricultural supply chains and impacted micronutrient fertilizer distribution. Restrictions on movement impaired market access and created logistics challenges. However, it also increased awareness about food nutrition security, leading to greater emphasis on micronutrient-enriched crops. Governments prioritized agricultural sector continuity and adopted strategies to safeguard food and nutrition security through diversified production.
The zinc segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The zinc segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to widespread soil deficiencies globally. Its critical role in plant metabolism, enzyme activity, and protein synthesis makes it indispensable for crop health. Studies show that zinc application significantly improves crop yields, particularly for staples like rice and wheat. Government initiatives that promote zinc-based fertilizers to effectively address soil deficiencies further support the segment's growth, ensuring its continued dominance.
The fertigation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the fertigation segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate due to its precision nutrient delivery through irrigation systems. This technique ensures uniform distribution of nutrients directly to plant roots while minimizing waste. The rising adoption of micro-irrigation systems and water-soluble fertilizers has propelled fertigation's popularity among modern farmers. Its compatibility with advanced farming practices positions it as a pivotal method for maximizing crop productivity.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its vast agricultural base and significant soil nutrient deficiencies. Countries like China and India dominate regional consumption as they address widespread zinc and iron deficiencies affecting staple crops like rice and wheat. Government initiatives promoting balanced fertilization practices further bolster demand in this region, solidifying its position as the largest market.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR owing to increasing awareness about soil health and advanced farming practices. The adoption of precision agriculture techniques and micro-irrigation systems drives demand for specialty fertilizers like chelated micronutrients. Rapid urbanization and population growth intensify food security challenges, further fueling market expansion in this region.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Micronutrients Fertilizers Market include Yara International ASA, BASF SE, Nutrien Ltd., The Mosaic Company, Coromandel International Limited, ICL Group Ltd., K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Koch Industries Inc., Nouryon, BMS Micro-Nutrients NV, Haifa Group, FMC Corporation, Akzo Nobel N.V., UPL Limited, Compass Minerals, Valagro Spa, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. and Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited.
Key Developments:
In December 2023, Nutrien Ag Solutions, the retail division of Nutrien Ltd., announced a new program in collaboration with Scotiabank designed to support Canadian growers in adopting more sustainable and productive agricultural products and practices. This program aims to bolster the financial resilience of the nation’s farming community and advance Canada’s agriculture sustainability goals for the broader value chain.
In May 2023, Yara International announced today that it will build a new global production plant for specialty crop nutrition products and biostimulants designed to increase yields and improve quality. The plant will be one of the largest in the world for these products, which are crucial for achieving food security and combating climate change. The new plant will allow Yara to increase its footprint in this specialty crop nutrition business, one of the fastest growing markets in agriculture.
Micronutrient Types Covered:
• Zinc
• Boron
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Copper
• Other Micronutrients Types
Forms Covered:
• Chelated Micronutrients
• Non-Chelated Micronutrients
Crop Types Covered:
• Field Crops
• Horticultural Crops
• Other Crop Types
Applications Covered:
• Soil Treatment
• Foliar Spray
• Fertigation
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
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