Competitive Landscape of Specialty Fertilizer Market Recent Developments, Strategy, Sustainability, Product Launches, Key Persons, and Revenue Forecasts

Specialty Fertilizer Market Outlook

The international market for specialty fertilizer was estimated at around US$ 37.78 billion in 2024. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.18% during the period 2025-2033 and reach an estimated value of around US$ 64.81 billion in 2033.

Advanced plant nutrients known as specialty fertilizers are made to improve crop quality, yield, and nutrient-use efficiency. Specialty fertilizers frequently have controlled-release, water-soluble, or tailored nutrient compositions, in contrast to traditional fertilizers that release nutrients quickly. These consist of water-soluble fertilizers (WSFs), micronutrient mixes, slow- and controlled-release fertilizers, and products enhanced with biostimulants. They are designed to ensure balanced nutrition and minimize environmental nutrient losses by catering to the unique nutritional requirements of various crops and soil types.

Due to the growing demand for precision and sustainable agriculture, specialized fertilizers are rapidly becoming more and more popular worldwide. Adoption is highest in developed regions like North America and Europe, where stringent environmental rules and sophisticated farming methods are the driving forces. In the meantime, use is increasing in Asia-Pacific nations, especially China and India, as a result of increased awareness of the need to boost food production and effective nutrient management.

Additionally, grass maintenance, greenhouses, and high-value horticultural crops all make extensive use of specialty fertilizers. Government programs encouraging sustainable farming and advancements in nutrient delivery technology are driving the global market's continued growth. Specialty fertilizers are essential to modern agriculture as farmers around the world prioritize environmental responsibility and production.

Top Companies in Global Specialty Fertilizer

CF Industries Holdings Inc

Founding: 1946

Headquarter: United States

One of the leading producers and distributors of nitrogen and hydrogen compounds used in fertilizers, pollution control, and other industrial processes worldwide is CF Industries Holdings Inc. Its products include nitric acid, urea liquor, ammonia, granular urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonium nitrate, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). The company's clientele is diverse and includes independent distributors, farmers, industrial clients, and agricultural cooperatives. With distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and the UK, CF Industries has a wide market reach. It produces nitrogen-based fertilizers all over the world from its main manufacturing plants in Donaldsonville, Louisiana; Yazoo City, Mississippi; and Billingham, United Kingdom. The business is well-positioned to reduce environmental pollutants, supply vital industrial inputs, and aid in the production of food worldwide.

Israel Chemicals

Establishment: 1968

Headquarters: Israel

ICL Group Ltd (ICL) is a chemical and specialty minerals company. It produces items from distinct minerals to be applied in agriculture, food and engineered materials. The products of the company are bromine, potash, phosphoric acid, phosphate, specialty fertilizers and flame retardants. It produces and sells bromine and phosphorus compounds used in the automotive, construction, electronics, and oil and gas sectors. It produces magnesium and offers water desalination solutions. The firm has production and mining facilities in Israel, Europe, North America, South America and China. It has a wide logistics and distribution network throughout the globe.

Yara International ASA

Founding: 1905

Head Office: Norway

Yara International ASA (Yara) is a chemical manufacturing company that produces and markets industrial and agricultural development goods. Its activities range from producing ammonia and mining phosphate to developing local market knowledge and cultivating clientele. Urea, complex fertilizer, calcium ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and feed phosphates are among its products. It offers process solutions, odor management, and environmental solutions like NOx abatement. The business offers services and equipment for managing and storing its goods. Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are home to its production facilities, terminals, and retail stores. Yara supplies the mining, transportation, chemical, utility, and food and beverage industries.

Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co. Ltd

Founding: 1998

Head Office: China

In Linyi, Shandong Province, China, Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co., Ltd. was established in 1998. It is a leading producer of cutting-edge fertilizers. The company specializes in manufacturing a range of fertilizers, including phosphate, water-soluble, controlled-release, and traditional fertilizers. Additionally, Kingenta manufactures micronutrients, efficiency enhancers, and biostimulants. The firm, which employs over 6,200 people, provides integrated sustainable agriculture solutions for both domestic and international markets. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange lists Kingenta under the ticker 002470.SZ.

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited

Founding: 1985

Headquarters location: India

One of the largest agro-industrial firms in India is Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL), based in Hyderabad. The Nagarjuna Group's flagship company, NFCL, was established in 1985 and is among the biggest private sector investments in Southern India.

NFCL is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of agri-informatics solutions, micro-irrigation systems, and fertilizers. Urea, anhydrous ammonia, DAP, MOP, micronutrients, and specialized fertilizers are among its products. Through its three divisions-Straight Nutrition, Nutrition Solutions, and Nagarjuna Management Services-the company offers farm management services and solutions. It specializes in project management and chemical process plant operation.

Product launch in the Specialty Fertilizer Industry

BASF

April 2025, BASF has recently introduced Ampliqan(R), a new nitrification inhibitor aimed at enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency in fertilizers. Ampliqan protects nitrogen in fertilizers-especially urea and other ammonium-containing products-from losses due to nitrate leaching and emissions of nitrous oxide. It uses the active ingredient DMPSA-K2, which inhibits certain soil bacteria so that ammonium remains available for plants longer, reducing conversion to nitrate too soon.

This product offers excellent handling and storage stability across a broad temperature range and is compatible with many forms of nitrogen fertilizers (urea, ammonium nitrate, DAP, MAP, NPKs, liquids). Ampliqan is intended for roll-out in the Asia-Pacific region initially, with global availability planned by 2026.

The launch is positioned not just as a product innovation but also part of BASF's strategy toward climate-smart agriculture, helping fertilizer manufacturers differentiate their offerings in markets increasingly demanding environmental credentials.

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

In December 2023, Rallis India, a subsidiary of Tata Chemicals, launched NAYAZINC(TM), a patented zinc fertiliser for soil application. Containing 16% zinc and 9% magnesium, it improves nutrient efficiency and photosynthesis while requiring only a tenth of the zinc compared to traditional Zinc Sulphate. Its slow-release formula allows co-application with other nutrients and suits a wide range of crops, including paddy, wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds. NAYAZINC(TM) aims to enhance soil health and crop productivity sustainably across India.

SWOT Analysis of Specialty Fertilizer Market

Nutrien Ltd-Strength Analysis

Nutrien's position in the specialty fertilizer market rests on two pillars: its vast retail network (Nutrien Ag Solutions) and targeted specialty offerings (water-soluble products, micronutrient blends, polymer/coated products and digital agronomy services). Nutrien has an unrivaled route-to-market for specialty formulations thanks to its retail arm, which has over 1,700 locations and direct agronomy relationships. This allows for customized blends, bundled services (such as variable-rate prescriptions and soil testing), and recurring high-margin business that is distinct from bulk commodity sales. Also in 2024, Nutrien sold about 1,751 thousand tonnes of fertilizer via its Retail segment, though crop nutrient volumes dropped compared to previous year volumes (~1,912 thousand tonnes in 2023) reflecting weakening demand or market headwinds.

In 2024, Nutrien reported net earnings of $700 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $5.4 billion, reflecting strong operational efficiency and solid performance across its segments. The company's retail arm, Nutrien Ag Solutions, contributed $1.7 billion in adjusted EBITDA, supported by higher product margins and streamlined operating costs.

Furthermore, a key strength of Nutrien lies in its retail network of over 2,000 locations across North America, Australia, and South America. This distribution system allows the company to deliver specialty fertilizers-including micronutrient blends, water-soluble fertilizers, and controlled-release products-directly to growers. The retail network also enables customized solutions for high-value crops, precision agriculture, and regional soil conditions, providing Nutrien with a competitive advantage in offering differentiated, high-margin specialty products.

EuroChem Group-Strength Analysis

EuroChem Group is a leading integrated fertilizer producer with a growing focus on specialty fertilizers. EuroChem's portfolio includes nitrogen, phosphate, and potash products, with expanding investments in specialty formulations, such as controlled-release fertilizers, water-soluble blends, and micronutrient-enriched fertilizers.

A core strength of EuroChem lies in its strong R&D and product innovation capabilities. The company has introduced several new specialty fertilizers designed for high-value crops, aiming to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Vertical integration from feedstock production to finished fertilizers allows EuroChem to optimize costs and maintain quality control across its specialty product lines, providing a competitive edge over pure-play blenders.

EuroChem is also expanding its market reach, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where the demand for specialty fertilizers is increasing. By investing in production capacity and local distribution, EuroChem can respond to regional demand and strengthen its market share. With the global specialty fertilizer market expected to grow significantly, EuroChem's focus on innovation, market expansion, and high-value specialty products positions it well for sustained growth.

Recent Development in Specialty Fertilizer Industry

OCI Group

OCI Global recently completed the sale of its Methanol business to Methanex in 2025, a strategic move aimed at streamlining its portfolio and focusing on core nitrogen-based fertilizers, including products relevant to specialty fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and liquid nitrogen solutions. The transaction was valued at USD 1.6 billion, comprising USD 1.3 billion of cash and the issuance of 9.9 million common shares of Methanex, valued at USD 346 million and representing 12.9% of total share ownership. This allows OCI to return capital to shareholders while reinvesting in higher-margin nitrogen derivatives, including projects in blue and green ammonia, which support environmentally friendly specialty fertilizer solutions. OCI has also announced plans to expand production of customized liquid fertilizers, tailored for fertigation and high-value crops.

Coromandel International Ltd.

Coromandel International Ltd. launched a nano fertiliser plant at its Kakinada complex, Andhra Pradesh, in June 2024. The facility features advanced automation and energy-efficient technologies, with an annual capacity of 10 million bottles. The company markets these products as "Gromor Nano DAP" and "Gromor Nano Urea", developed through its in-house R&D at the IIT Bombay-Monash Research Academy. These nano fertilisers improve nutrient delivery and absorption, potentially increasing crop yield while reducing environmental impact. The launch aligns with Coromandel's focus on sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Sustainability Analysis of Specialty Fertilizer Market

Haifa Group

Haifa Group integrates sustainability into its operations through its "Precision IMPACT" strategy, focusing on environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. The company aims to reduce production-related greenhouse gas emissions by 20% per ton of product by 2030 and increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption to 50%. Haifa is implementing circular production methodologies, including reusing wastewater treatment sludge and capturing CO2 emissions for conversion into other products. Waste reduction is a priority, with goals to achieve 60% recycled packaging materials by 2030 and minimize waste throughout production processes. The company also promotes sustainable agriculture by developing products that enhance nutrient use efficiency, thereby reducing the environmental impact of farming. Haifa's commitment to sustainability aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing climate action, responsible consumption, and sustainable agriculture.

Grupa Azoty S.A.

In line with the European Green Deal, Grupa Azoty S.A., the biggest chemical business in Poland, has included sustainability into its strategic operations through its 2021-2030 plan. With interim goals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and boosting the use of renewable energy, the company's three primary pillars-green products, green technologies, and a green organization-are aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Grupa Azoty recorded CO2 emissions of about 4.3 million tons in 2023 across Scope 1, 2, and 3, which is a little decrease from prior years. To further decarbonize production processes, the corporation is investing in ammonia and green hydrogen technology. Grupa Azoty also works with groups like the Race for the Baltic Foundation to lessen environmental effects, like as phosphorus emissions from fertilizer manufacturing. These programs demonstrate the business's dedication to long-term climate responsibility, environmental management, and sustainable development.

Specialty Fertilizer Market & Forecast

Historical Trends

Forecast Analysis

Market Share Analysis

Company Analysis

Overview

Company History and Mission

Business Model and Operations

Workforce

Key Persons

Executive Leadership

Operational Management

Division Leaders

Board Composition

Recent Development & Strategies

Mergers & Acquisitions

Partnerships

Investments

Sustainability Analysis

Renewable Energy Adoption

Energy-Efficient Infrastructure

Use of Sustainable Packaging Materials

Water Usage and Conservation Strategies

Waste Management and Circular Economy Initiatives

Product Analysis

Product Profile

Quality Standards

Product Pipeline

Product Benchmarking

Strategic Assessment: SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Revenue Analysis

The above information will be available for all the following companies:

1. CF Industries Holdings Inc.

2. Israel Chemicals

3. Yara International ASA

4. Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co., Ltd

5. Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited

6. The Mosaic Company

7. BASF SE

8. OCI Global

9. Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL)

10. Nutrien Ltd.

11. Haifa Group

12. EuroChem Group

13. Grupa Azoty S.A.

14. Coromandel International Ltd.

15. Tata Chemicals Ltd.