Controlled Release Fertilizer Global Market Report 2025

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are granular fertilizer particles coated with a resin or polymer, controlling moisture contact and gradually dissolving the fertilizer, providing a slow-release effect beneficial for agriculture, silviculture, and horticulture.

These fertilizers encompass various types such as slow-release, nitrogen stabilizers, and coated and encapsulated variants. Slow-release types release their components gradually over an extended period, differing from immediate release. They come in liquid, granular, and powder forms and find applications in foliar, fertigation, soil, and other uses. End-users include grains, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, commercial crops, fruits, vegetables, turf, ornamentals, and more.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact-particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.

The controlled release fertilizer market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides controlled release fertilizer market statistics, including controlled release fertilizer industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a controlled release fertilizer market share, detailed controlled release fertilizer market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the controlled release fertilizer industry. This controlled-release fertilizer market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The controlled release fertilizer market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.41 billion in 2024 to $3.66 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to strong economic growth in emerging markets, a rise in demand for agricultural products, a rise in demand for a vegan diet, and an increase in organic food demand.

The controlled release fertilizer market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.31 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing adoption of modern agriculture practices, an increasing population, rising government initiatives, and robust research and development activities. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements, product innovation, increasing investments, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships and collaborations.

The forecast of 9.7% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through reduced imports of polymer coatings from the Netherlands and Canada, raising agricultural input costs and impacting crop yields.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The growing adoption of modern agricultural practices is significantly fueling the expansion of the controlled-release fertilizer market. Modern agriculture represents an evolving approach to agricultural innovations and farming techniques that help farmers enhance efficiency while reducing the natural resources required to meet global demands for food, fuel, and fiber, such as water, land, and energy. Controlled-release fertilizers focus on precise fertilizer applications based on the 4-Rs: the right amount of fertilizer at the right time to the right plant at the right stage of growth. For example, in August 2023, a report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a federal agency in the US, indicated that the average adoption of precision agriculture in the US increased from 25% in 2021 to 27% in 2023. Additionally, North Dakota boasts the highest adoption rate at 57%, with states like Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota each reporting rates of 49% or higher. Therefore, the rising adoption of modern agricultural practices is anticipated to drive the growth of the controlled-release fertilizer market in the future.

Government initiatives are anticipated to be a significant driver for the controlled-release fertilizer market during the forecast period. Positive governmental interventions related to agriculture contribute to the increased demand for controlled-release fertilizers. In November 2022, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), a US-based agency established by the US government to foster collaborations between the public and private sectors in support of innovative scientific research, launched the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium. This public-private partnership research initiative aims to advance the development of efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective fertilizers and management practices. Additionally, in October 2022, the Indian government introduced the 'One Nation One Fertilizer' initiative under the fertilizer subsidy scheme known as 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojna' (PMBJP). This initiative involves the introduction of a single brand named 'Bharat' for all types of fertilizers, ensuring uniformity in fertilizer branding across the country. The implementation of such government initiatives is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the controlled-release fertilizer market in the forecast period.

Major companies in the controlled-release fertilizer industry are concentrating on strategic investments, such as establishing production facilities, to enhance their market position. A controlled-release fertilizer production facility is a specialized manufacturing plant dedicated to producing fertilizers that gradually release nutrients over time, optimizing their availability for plant uptake while reducing environmental impact. For example, in September 2023, Sollio Agriculture, a Canada-based agribusiness, inaugurated CRF Agritech, a new controlled-release fertilizer production facility in St. Thomas, Ontario. Covering 25,800 square feet, the facility represents an investment exceeding C$25 million and is set to produce next-generation controlled-release fertilizers, including PurYield, for farmers in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. Additionally, it will have the capacity to manufacture other coated fertilizers for non-agricultural uses. When fully operational, the facility is anticipated to produce over 100,000 tons annually.

A notable trend in the controlled-release fertilizer market is the launch of innovative fertilizers. Companies within the sector are actively engaged in developing groundbreaking products to gain a competitive advantage and fortify their market positions. An instance of this trend is evident in ICL Group's actions. In September 2022, the company introduced eqo.x, a revolutionary and rapidly biodegradable release technology designed for open-field agriculture. This innovative solution represents a pioneering approach as the first controlled release fertilizer (CRF) coating for urea. Notably, eqo.x is tailored to meet the future European fertilizer standards scheduled to take effect in 2026. It delivers a reduction in nutrient loss and enhances nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by up to 80%. This development is designed to assist farmers in improving crop performance while minimizing environmental impact, highlighting the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

In September 2023, Profile Products, a U.S.-based manufacturing company, formed a partnership with JCAM Agri. Co., Ltd. The objective of this collaboration was to expand the distribution of Nutricote-controlled release fertilizers across all 50 states in the U.S. JCAM Agri. Co., Ltd. is a South Korea-based manufacturing firm that focuses on producing agricultural products, particularly controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs).

Major companies operating in the controlled release fertilizer market include Yara International ASA, Kingenta, Nutrien Ltd, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A, Jcam Agri, Helena chemical company, Compo Expert GMbh, Nufarm Ltd, Sunpalm Australia, Hebei Woze Wufeng Biological Technology Co. Ltd, Hebei Sanyuanjiuqi Fertilizer Co. Ltd, Haifa Group, China BlueChemical Ltd, CF Industries, Borealis, Fertilore, HELM IBERICA SA, ADOB, Uralchem, PhosAgro, Acron, UralKali, Yara Canada Inc, The Mosaic Company, Verdesian, Koch Fertilizer, Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC, ScottsMiracle-Gro, K+S Potash Canada, ArrMaz, Agrium U.S. Inc, Nortox, Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL), Qatar Fertilizer Co (QAFCO), Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited, Dangote Fertilizer, Twiga Chemical Industries Limited, Kynoch.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the controlled release fertilizer market in 2024 and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the controlled release fertilizer market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the controlled release fertilizer market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The controlled release fertilizer market consists of sales of controlled-release fertilizer products such as urea formaldehyde and crotonylidenediurea. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Controlled Release Fertilizer Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on controlled release fertilizer market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for controlled release fertilizer ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The controlled release fertilizer market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Slow Release, Nitrogen Stabilizers, Coated And Encapsulated
• 2) By Form: Liquid, Granular, Powder
• 3) By Application: Foliar, Fertigation, Soil, Other Applications
• 4) By End Use: Grains And Cereals, Pulses And Oilseeds, Commercial Crops, Fruits And Vegetables, Turf And Ornamentals, Other End Uses
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Slow Release: Urea-Formaldehyde; Sulfur-Coated Urea; Polymer-Coated Fertilizers
• 2) By Nitrogen Stabilizers: Urease Inhibitors; Nitrification Inhibitors
• 3) By Coated And Encapsulated: Polymer-Coated; Sulfur-Coated; Resin-Coated
• Companies Mentioned: Yara International ASA; Kingenta; Nutrien Ltd; Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A; Jcam Agri; Helena chemical company; Compo Expert GMbh; Nufarm Ltd; Sunpalm Australia; Hebei Woze Wufeng Biological Technology Co. Ltd; Hebei Sanyuanjiuqi Fertilizer Co. Ltd; Haifa Group; China BlueChemical Ltd; CF Industries; Borealis; Fertilore; HELM IBERICA SA; ADOB; Uralchem; PhosAgro; Acron; UralKali; Yara Canada Inc; The Mosaic Company; Verdesian; Koch Fertilizer; Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC; ScottsMiracle-Gro; K+S Potash Canada; ArrMaz; Agrium U.S. Inc; Nortox; Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL); Qatar Fertilizer Co (QAFCO); Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited; Dangote Fertilizer; Twiga Chemical Industries Limited; Kynoch.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.