Agrochemicals Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product, By Application, By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Global Agrochemicals Market was valued at USD 223.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 274.65 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 3.46% through 2030. The global agrochemicals market is a dynamic and critical component of the agricultural industry, encompassing a wide range of chemical products designed to enhance crop yield and protect against pests, diseases, and weeds. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, this market was undergoing significant transformations driven by various factors, including population growth, changing dietary preferences, and the need to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

One of the key drivers of the global agrochemicals market is the ever-increasing global population, which demands a consistent and efficient food supply. To meet this growing demand, farmers rely on agrochemicals to increase crop yields and ensure food security. Additionally, the adoption of modern farming practices, such as precision agriculture and genetically modified crops, has further fueled the demand for agrochemicals to optimize production.

However, the market has faced challenges related to environmental sustainability and public health concerns. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can have adverse effects on the environment, including soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to non-target organisms. Consequently, there has been a growing emphasis on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly agrochemical solutions, including biopesticides and organic fertilizers.

Furthermore, stringent regulations and increasing consumer awareness have pushed agrochemical companies to invest in research and development to create safer and more effective products. The industry has witnessed a shift towards integrated pest management (IPM) and precision application techniques to reduce chemical usage while maintaining crop quality.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Population and Food Demand

The sharp rise in global population is a significant driver of the agrochemicals market, as nations strive to feed a growing world. As of 2024, the global population has crossed 8.1 billion and is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This demographic surge is intensifying pressure on agricultural systems to boost productivity without expanding farmland. With arable land per capita steadily declining, farmers are increasingly turning to agrochemicals-fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides-to enhance crop output, protect yield, and improve land-use efficiency in both developed and developing countries.

Fertilizers play a pivotal role by providing crops with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting faster growth and better yields. Simultaneously, pesticides and herbicides shield crops from pests, diseases, and invasive weeds, reducing post-sowing losses. According to a 2023 FAO report, pests are responsible for up to 40% of global crop losses annually, further emphasizing the importance of crop protection solutions. As food insecurity remains a concern in several regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the reliance on agrochemicals to secure the food supply is growing steadily.

The global food system, which includes the production, processing, and distribution of crops and livestock, is deeply connected to the agrochemicals sector. Rising urbanization and income levels in emerging markets have led to increased consumption of processed and high-value foods. A 2024 nutrition survey showed a 15% rise in fruit and vegetable consumption in urban Asia over the past five years. This shift in dietary patterns demands a diverse and abundant food supply, pushing farmers to adopt intensive farming supported by agrochemical solutions to meet consumer expectations.

Beyond productivity, the link between rising population and food production also demands a focus on sustainability. Climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity are growing challenges that can't be ignored. Responsible agrochemical use, including integrated pest management and precision farming techniques, helps mitigate environmental risks while maintaining yields. Governments and agricultural organizations worldwide are now promoting smarter agrochemical usage to balance productivity with ecological preservation, making it essential for feeding the world while minimizing the environmental footprint of modern agriculture.

Key Market Challenges

Environmental Concerns

Environmental concerns are a pressing challenge that has been hindering the global agrochemicals market. While agrochemicals play a pivotal role in boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, their widespread use has raised alarm bells regarding their impact on the environment.

One of the primary environmental concerns associated with agrochemicals is water pollution. Runoff from fields treated with pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers can carry these substances into nearby water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater reservoirs. This contamination poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems, harming aquatic life and affecting the quality of water available for human consumption. Chemical residues in water bodies can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, potentially leading to long-term environmental damage.

Moreover, agrochemicals can have a detrimental impact on non-target organisms.Soil health is another crucial environmental concern. The excessive and persistent use of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and reduced soil fertility. Soil erosion and compaction are also exacerbated by certain agricultural practices associated with agrochemical use. Healthy soil is essential for sustaining crop productivity and preserving the long-term viability of agricultural land.

The long-lasting nature of some agrochemical residues compounds environmental concerns. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which include some older pesticides, can persist in the environment for extended periods, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. This not only affects wildlife but can also have indirect consequences on human health when contaminated food products are consumed.

Key Market Trends

Biological and Biopesticide Solutions

Biological and biopesticide solutions have emerged as potent drivers of growth in the global agrochemicals market. As the agriculture industry grapples with increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, these innovative solutions have gained significant traction. Biopesticides, derived from naturally occurring microorganisms, plants, or other biological sources, offer a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. They target specific pests with precision, leaving non-target organisms unharmed and minimizing collateral damage to the environment. This precision and reduced environmental impact align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable agriculture, driving the adoption of biopesticides.

Biological solutions are particularly attractive to farmers seeking to minimize the chemical residues left on their crops, thereby improving food safety and meeting stringent regulatory standards. As consumers become increasingly conscious of pesticide residues in their food, the demand for biopesticides is poised to grow further.

Furthermore, the trend towards organic farming practices has fueled the adoption of biological and biopesticide solutions. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, making biopesticides a valuable tool for pest management in these systems. Biopesticides are certified for use in organic farming and provide an effective means of protecting organic crops from pests and diseases.

The development and commercialization of biopesticides have become a focal point for agrochemical companies, spurring innovation and investment in this sector. As research continues to uncover new strains of beneficial microorganisms and innovative methods of pest control, the biopesticide market is expected to expand, contributing to the overall growth of the agrochemicals industry.

Key Market Players

• Solvay SA
• Dow Inc.
• Huntsman International LLC
• Evonik Industries AG
• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• Nufarm Limited
• Croda International Plc
• Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
• FMC Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Agrochemicals Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Agrochemicals Market, By Product:

• Fertilizers
• Crop Protection Chemicals
• Plant Growth Regulators
• Others

Agrochemicals Market, By Application:

• Cereals & Grains
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Fruits & Vegetable
• Others

Agrochemicals Market, By Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Agrochemicals Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Agrochemicals Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).