Agricultural Surfactants Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type, Crop Type, Function, Formulation, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Agricultural Surfactants Market is accounted for $2.0 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.0 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Agricultural surfactants are chemical additives used in agriculture to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers. They work by reducing the surface tension of liquids, allowing them to spread more evenly over plant surfaces and penetrate into the soil more effectively. Surfactants can help improve the coverage, wetting, and absorption of agricultural chemicals, thereby increasing their efficacy and reducing waste. They are particularly useful in situations where water-repellent soils or waxy plant surfaces inhibit the proper distribution and absorption of agricultural products.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the total cereals and grains production in 2021 was 2,819 million tonnes. This is an increase of 1.6% from the total production recorded in 2020.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rise in demand for green solutions

As environmental concerns grow, there has been a noticeable rise in demand for green solutions in the agricultural surfactants market. Farmers and agricultural businesses are increasingly seeking surfactants that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. This trend reflects a broader shift towards more eco-conscious practices in agriculture, driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Manufacturers are responding by developing and marketing surfactants that meet these criteria, catering to the evolving needs of the market.

Restraint:

Use of genetically modified seeds

The use of genetically modified seeds presents a challenge in the market due to potential compatibility issues. These crops may require specific surfactants for optimal performance, and traditional surfactants may not be suitable for use with these crops. This necessitates the development of specialized surfactants tailored to crop varieties, which can increase research and development costs for surfactant manufacturers. Additionally, concerns about the environmental impact of the crops may influence consumer preferences and demand for surfactants.

Opportunity:

Need for improved efficacy of agrochemicals

Improved efficacy of agrochemicals is crucial in the market to enhance crop protection and yield. Surfactants play a vital role in increasing the effectiveness of agrochemicals by ensuring better adhesion, coverage, and penetration on plant surfaces. Innovations in surfactant formulations can lead to improved spray coverage, reduced runoff, and enhanced absorption of active ingredients, resulting in better pest control and weed management while minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization in agriculture.

Threat:

Competition from rival formulations

As companies strive to innovate and differentiate their products, they face pressure to develop formulations that offer superior performance, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Rival formulations may introduce new active ingredients, proprietary technologies, or enhanced formulations, making it essential for companies to continuously invest in research and development to stay competitive in the market. Additionally, regulatory changes and evolving customer preferences further intensify competition in this sector.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in the agricultural sector, impacting the demand for surfactants used in farming. Supply chain disruptions, reduced agricultural activities, and economic uncertainties have affected the market. However, there has been increased awareness of the importance of surfactants in improving agricultural productivity, leading to potential growth opportunities in the long term as the industry adapts to new norms and focuses on sustainable practices.

The cationic surfactants segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The cationic surfactants is expected to be the largest during the forecast period due to their ability to improve the effectiveness of pesticides and herbicides. They help in reducing surface tension, allowing for better coverage and penetration of active ingredients on plant surfaces. This leads to improved performance and efficacy of agricultural chemicals, ultimately enhancing crop protection and yields. These are particularly effective in situations where water quality or soil conditions pose challenges to traditional pesticide application methods.

The greenhouse operators segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The greenhouse operators segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period as they rely on these products to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in their operations. By incorporating surfactants into their spraying routines, greenhouse operators can ensure better coverage and absorption of agricultural chemicals, leading to improved crop yields and overall plant health. Additionally, surfactants can help mitigate issues such as runoff and soil erosion, further benefiting greenhouse operations and the environment.

Region with largest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for agrochemicals and the adoption of modern farming practices. Surfactants play a crucial role in enhancing the efficacy of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides by reducing surface tension and improving spray coverage. The region's favorable regulatory environment, coupled with advancements in farming techniques, is expected to further propel market expansion. Additionally, growing awareness about sustainable agriculture practices is driving the demand for bio-based surfactants.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period due to several factors such as increasing population, rising demand for food, adoption of modern farming practices, and the need for efficient crop protection solutions. Surfactants play a crucial role in agriculture by improving the effectiveness of pesticides, herbicides, and other agrochemicals. The market is characterized by a wide range of surfactant products tailored for different agricultural applications, including wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, and adjuvants.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Agricultural Surfactants market include BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, Croda International PLC, Huntsman Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., Akzo Nobel N.V., Clariant AG, Nufarm Limited, Kao Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Syngenta AG, Novozymes A/S, Lonza Group AG, Corteva Agriscience and Valent Biosciences Corporation.

Key Developments:

In May 2024, Arkema has agreed to acquire Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business, one of the leading producers of adhesives for the flexible packaging market, generating annual sales of around US$250 million.

In June 2023, BASF expanded production capacity for bio-based alkyl polyglucosides (APG(R)s) in Asia-Pacific and North America. By expanding in two regions in parallel, BASF, the global market leader for APGs, can strengthen its position and serve customers even faster and more flexible from the regional supply points, while at the same time reducing cross-regional volume flows.

Types Covered:

• Non-Ionic Surfactants
• Anionic Surfactants
• Cationic Surfactants
• Amphoteric Surfactants
• Silicone-Based Surfactants
• Other Types

Crop Types Covered:

• Grains & Cereals
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Other Crop Types

Functions Covered:

• Wetting Agents
• Dispersants
• Emulsifiers
• Penetrants

Formulations Covered:

• Liquid Formulations
• Powder Formulations
• Granular Formulations

Applications Covered:

• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Agricultural Cooperatives
• Agrochemical Manufacturers
• Research Institutions
• Greenhouse Operators
• Horticulture
• 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

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances