PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1604470
PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1604470
Global sulfur fertilizers market is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.59% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 4.48 billion in 2023 to USD 5.94 billion in 2031. A noteworthy expansion in the global market is caused by the high need for efficient soil enhancers and the high level of agricultural output. Fertilizers containing sulfur are critical for the growth and physiology of plants as sulfur is one of the most essential macronutrients needed for the production of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes. These fertilizers are found in different forms and are used to cure the sulfur deficiency of crops. The awareness of the key role that sulfur plays in crop yields has encouraged more farmers to use sulfur fertilizers. While the trend towards sustainable agriculture has played a role in the increase in the consumption of such fertilizers, there's a growing need for these fertilizers. In response to this burgeoning demand, in November 2024, QatarEnergy (QE) entered a protracted contract for the supply of sulfur with OCP Nutricrops, a company that is part of the OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based fertilizers. According to the 10-year agreement, QatarEnergy will supply OCP Nutricrops with up to 7.5 million tons of sulfur, effective from the third quarter of 2024. Out of several divisions of OCP Group, OCP Nutricrops is a company based in Morocco that seeks to develop solutions for improving soil nutrition for food production and sustainability problems globally.
Moreover, the reduction of sulfur emissions caused by stringent environmental rules has resulted in soil sulfur deficits, thus increasing the demand for sulfur fertilizers. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to have the largest share of the market at the moment. Overall, the global sulfur fertilizers market is set for expansion, as the farmers aim to enhance crop productivity and soil condition.
In November 2023, EuroChem-BMU completed pilot testing for the production of mineral NPS fertilizers using elemental sulfur. It was decided to send the first 4-kiloton cargo of sulfur-containing fertilizers to the Russian market. One of the most crucial nutritional supplements required for plant growth is elemental sulfur. The release of sulfur improves the crop's entire life cycle without needing reapplication, boosting yields in soils with low sulfur concentrations.
Technological Innovations to Catalyze Market Expansion
Technological advancements are of utmost importance in driving the demand for sulfur fertilizers around the globe. For instance, precision agriculture practices, including soil mapping, can help farmers apply sulfur according to the application needs of the crop. Coated sulfur fertilizers are the current trend because they enhance the soil's nutrient retention, making it efficient and eliminating unnecessary frequent applications. Furthermore, improvements in organic and green sulfur fertilizers are responding to the increasing appeal for eco-friendly solutions. Such advances are improving crop production and encouraging the conservation of the environment, therefore making sulfur fertilizers more appealing to modern day farming practices.
Moreover, companies are developing new formulations to provide a more appealing and efficient product to consumers. For instance, in February 2023, using its proprietary nanotechnology platform, Vantage Ag, a manufacturer and distributor of liquid fertilizers, unveiled its first product. The novel method makes use of a nanoparticle composition that effectively covers and penetrates plant tissue. The new liquid sulfur product has sulfur particles that are smaller than a nanometer. The nutrient is completely accessible and can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the plant as a result of these tiny particles. Each nutrient particle is one-third to two-thirds of a nanometer, which is 30 to 40 times the size of an atom.
Due to these technological breakthroughs and the need for increased agricultural output, the sulfur fertilizers market is projected to maintain an upward growth trend.
Sustainability Trend Influences Market Growth
The market for sulfur fertilizers worldwide is booming and continues to do so owing to the growing emphasis on sustainability. The current trend in agriculture aims to enhance crop production with minimal environmental effects. Sulfur is one of the key nutrients that ensure the healthy growth of plants. Thus, there is a growing need to incorporate sulfur fertilizers. Consumers are seeking sulfur fertilizers that are environmentally friendly and align with the trend of ongoing sustainable farming practices. Such fertilizers, which come in the form of coated or slow-release fertilizers, enhance nutrient uptake efficiency and cut down the application rate, reducing the chances of runoff and soil pollution.
Moreover, fertilizers containing sulfur obtained from renewable resources are in demand owing to the global trend of going green. This technology is geared towards enhancing crop yields and works towards the sustainable conservation of soils and ecosystems. For instance, in May 2024, at its first production site in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, Cinis Fertilizer AB began producing potassium sulfate, a mineral fertilizer. The company uses industrial waste products as one of the inputs to create an ecologically friendly potassium sulfate with a low carbon footprint utilizing a fossil-free production method. The production plant is designed to produce 100,000 metric tons of potassium sulfate annually.
Sulfate Holds a Significant Market Share
Sulfate-based fertilizers occupy a major portion of the global sulfur fertilizers market as they are crucial in correcting sulfur deficiency in crops. Fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and gypsum are used extensively as they offer quick access to nutrients and have the dual advantages of improving soil and plants. The sulfate category dominates the global sulfur fertilizers market, demonstrating the high rate of adoption for crop nutrition among farmers in search of efficient and effective means of crop nutrition.
It is anticipated that the adoption of sulfate-rich fertilizers in agriculture will grow further over the years due to the implementation of more sustainable agriculture and improved food production practices.
In September 2024, Frontieras North America, a pioneer in developing innovative technological solutions, introduced its latest ammonium sulfate fertilizer. From its patented Solid Carbon Fractionation (SCF) technology, which produces gas, liquid, and solid energy products. Frontieras will transform waste gas and liquid products into fertilizer. Frontieras isolates the relevant elements such as sulfur and ammonia, after which systemic processes result in the production of sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate fertilizer, with no waste emissions released in air, water, or soil.
Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market Share
The growing agricultural activities in Asia-Pacific have contributed significantly to the increase in the growth of the global sulfur fertilizers market. The farmers in the region seem to be more aware of the advantages of using sulfur fertilizers. In addition, the governments in the region have been supportive to use sulfur fertilizers as a way of increasing soil quality and crop production. As a result, the use of sulfur fertilizers in Asia-Pacific has an impressive market size, due to active countries such as China and India, which are major users. There are expected to be growing trends in sulfur fertilizers being used in these parts of the region, that are productive and sustainable.
In November 2023, System Technology GmbH collaborated with Zoe Agriculture in China to develop a new type of sulfur-based fertilizer aimed at boosting soils that have been rendered unusable for agriculture in the country, mainly due to extreme salinity and adverse pH levels. The team established a greenhouse facility in the country for comprehensive tests on different crops grown in different parts of the country. As per the test results, sulfur-based fertilizer lowered the soil salinity and improved its pH values leading to a remarkable improvement in the soil fertility. After these successful trials, the company proceeded with setting up the production line for manufacturing sulfur-based fertilizer. The facility will produce the fertilizer in large volumes, helping Chinese farmers raise their productivity levels in agriculture.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
As there is a growing shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, it has been forecasted that the demand for sulfur fertilizers will rise. The use of natural, soil enhancing fertilizers, to increase crop yield, is driving farmers to use more such products, which will widen the scope of the market.
The development of new technologies in fertilizers such as slow-release fertilizers and coated sulfur fertilizers, is enhancing nutrient use efficiency and reducing pollution associated with it. This will positively affect the market as these innovations enhance crop nutrition.
It is probable that sulfur fertilizers will receive more support in subsidies and programs aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture from governments across the globe.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The global sulfur fertilizers market features a blend of distribution and production networks that include both the long-established players and the new innovators in the sector. They focus on research and development activities for the development of new generation sulfur fertilizers which are befitting the requirements of contemporary agriculturalists. Companies form strategic alliances and carry out mergers and acquisitions to increase their market reach and improve their product offerings. For instance, in November 2024, Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. purchased Tiger-Sul Products, LLC, a supplier of fertilizer solutions based on sulfur with a focus on North America. The purchase allows Tessenderlo Kerley to expand its specialty fertilizers portfolio to improve agricultural output, giving farmers better control and supporting a healthier ecology.
The market fuels the competitive landscape need for sustainable and effective fertilizers, which motivates players to adopt green technologies and precision agriculture technology. With the expansion of the market, a focus on innovation and sustainability will still be vital in the quest for competitive advantage and to meet the global demand for high-quality sulfur fertilizers.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.