Global Ferrous Sulfate Market Size By Product, By Form, By End-User Industry, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Ferrous Sulfate Market Size And Forecast

Ferrous Sulfate Market size was valued at USD 2.44 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.82 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 1.80% from 2026 to 2032.

Ferrous sulfate, commonly known as Iron(II) sulfate, or green vitriol, is an iron salt having the chemical formula FeSO4. It appears as blue-green crystals or powder and is very soluble in water.

This substance is primarily used as an iron supplement to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, a disorder marked by a lack of red blood cells due to low iron levels in the body.

Furthermore, ferrous sulfate is used in a variety of sectors, including the production of inks, dyes, and as a fixative in textiles. It also aids in water treatment procedures and can be used in agriculture to improve soil quality by supplying needed nutrients.

Global Ferrous Sulfate Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the ferrous sulfate market include:

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia: The growing prevalence of iron deficiency anemia worldwide is a primary driver of the ferrous sulfate market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia affects roughly 1.62 billion people globally, or 24.8% of the global population. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, accounting for around 50% of all cases. This high prevalence increases the demand for iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate.

Growing Water Treatment Industry: Ferrous sulfate is commonly used in water treatment operations, especially to remove phosphate. The global market for water and wastewater treatment is rapidly developing as cities and industries grow. According to Verified Market Research, the global water and wastewater treatment market was valued at USD 69.98 billion in 2023 and is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.22% between 2023 and 2032. This increase directly affects the demand for ferrous sulfate in water treatment applications.

Expansion of the Agriculture Sector: Ferrous sulfate is a micronutrient fertilizer used to treat iron chlorosis in plants. The global agricultural micronutrients market, which includes iron fertilizers, is expanding rapidly. Also, the agricultural micronutrients market is expected to reach USD 23.82 billion by 2032, rising at a 10.56% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This expansion in agriculture, especially the increased use of micronutrient fertilizers, is fueling demand for ferrous sulfate.

Key Challenges:

Health and Environmental Risks: The production, handling, and disposal of ferrous sulfate pose health and environmental risks. Its toxicity raises regulatory concerns, forcing manufacturers to follow severe environmental standards. This raises operational costs and complicates compliance, eventually impeding market expansion as businesses face penalties or limitations that limit their operations or market access.

Substitution by Alternative Products: Ferrous sulfate confronts competition from less expensive and more commonly available alternatives such as ferric chloride and organic fertilizers. These replacements provide equivalent or better performance in applications such as wastewater treatment and soil amendment. The increasing preference for these alternatives reduces demand for ferrous sulfate, limiting its market development potential.

Key Trends:

Growing Demand in Agriculture: The agriculture sector is increasingly using ferrous sulfate as a crucial element in fertilizers to alleviate iron deficiencies in soil and crops. The expanding need for increased agricultural output, as well as farmers' greater awareness of soil health, are driving this trend. Ferrous sulfate's use in agriculture is predicted to develop dramatically in the next years due to its effectiveness in improving plant growth and output.

Increasing Use in Water Treatment: Ferrous sulfate is gaining popularity in the water treatment sector due to its efficiency as a coagulant for purifying drinking water and treating wastewater. With tougher government regulations on water quality and growing concerns about environmental sustainability, demand for ferrous sulfate in municipal and industrial water treatment applications is expected to increase, boosting market growth.

Rising Focus on Health and Nutrition: The expanding global emphasis on health and nutrition has resulted in increased usage of iron supplements, especially ferrous sulfate. This trend is being driven by increased awareness of iron deficiency anemia and the necessity for dietary fortification. As more customers seek economical and effective iron supplements, ferrous sulfate is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift in consumer preferences, propelling market growth.

Global Ferrous Sulfate Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the ferrous sulfate market:

North America:

According to Verified Market Research, North America is estimated to dominate the ferrous sulfate market over the forecast period. North America, particularly the United States, has a large population affected by iron deficiency anemia, which drives demand for ferrous sulfate supplements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that iron deficiency is the most frequent nutritional deficit and the major cause of anemia in the United States. According to the CDC, iron deficiency affects 9-12% of non-Hispanic white women, over 20% of black and Mexican-American women, and up to 50% of pregnant women, making it a major driver of the regional ferrous sulfate market.

Furthermore, the agricultural sector in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, makes extensive use of ferrous sulfate as a micronutrient fertilizer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that the agriculture industry contributed $1.055 trillion to the country's GDP in 2020. According to the USDA, farming accounts for approximately 40% of all land in the United States, totaling 915 million acres. This widespread agricultural activity raises the demand for a variety of fertilizers, particularly iron-based micronutrients such as ferrous sulfate, to alleviate soil shortages and increase crop output.

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the market during the forecast period. With rising populations and industrialization, there is a growing demand for water treatment throughout the Asia Pacific, where ferrous sulfate is utilized as a coagulant. According to the Asian Development Bank's Asian Water Development Outlook 2020, around 55% of the region's population has access to safe water services. This gap in water treatment infrastructure creates a huge opportunity for expansion in the ferrous sulfate market. The analysis estimates that the area will need to invest $800 billion in water supply and sanitation infrastructure between 2016 and 2030 to provide universal access to safely managed services.

Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region is rapidly industrializing and urbanizing, which is driving up demand for ferrous sulfate in a variety of industries. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asia Pacific's urbanization rate is projected to rise from 50% in 2018 to 66% by 2050, with an additional 1.2 billion people living in cities. This urbanization fuels the demand for infrastructure development, with ferrous sulfate utilized in water treatment and construction materials.

Europe:

Europe region is estimated to exhibit substantial growth within the market during the forecast period. Ferrous sulfate is a popular treatment for iron deficiency anemia, which affects a large proportion of the European population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the incidence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Europe was 22.5% in 2019. This high prevalence rate increases the demand for iron supplements, especially ferrous sulfate, in the pharmaceutical industry.

Furthermore, ferrous sulfate is widely used in water treatment operations, especially to remove phosphates from wastewater. With the implementation of stronger environmental restrictions in Europe, the demand for effective water treatment systems has grown. According to the European Environment Agency, 95% of the EU's population was connected to urban wastewater collection and treatment facilities in 2017, up from 85% in 2000, indicating an increasing demand for water treatment.

Global Ferrous Sulfate Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Ferrous Sulfate Market is segmented based on Product, Form, End-User Industry, and Geography.

Ferrous Sulfate Market, By Product

• Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate
• Ferrous Sulfate Monohydrate
• Ferrous Sulfate Tetrahydrate
• Ferrous Sulfate Anhydrous
• Others

Based on Product, the market is segmented into Heptahydrate, Monohydrate, Tetrahydrate, Anhydrous, and Others. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate segment is estimated to dominate the ferrous sulfate market during the forecast period due to its widespread use as a fertilizer, which successfully treats iron deficiencies in crops. The heptahydrate form is recommended because of its high solubility and availability, making it appropriate for a variety of agricultural applications. Furthermore, its widespread application in water treatment procedures confirms its market leadership, resulting in steady demand across numerous sectors.

Ferrous Sulfate Market, By Form

• Granule/Powder
• Liquid

Based on Form, the market is segmented into Granule/Powder and Liquid. The granule/powder segment is estimated to dominate the ferrous sulfate market due to the great solubility and stability of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, which is often accessible in granular or powdered form. Its broad usage in agriculture as a fertilizer to alleviate iron deficiencies in crops, as well as its applications in water treatment and animal feed, reinforces its position as the favored form in a variety of industries. The versatility and effectiveness of the granule/powder form in delivering iron make it necessary for a wide range of applications, resulting in increased market share.

Ferrous Sulfate Market, By End-User Industry

• Pharmaceuticals
• Water Treatment
• Pigments
• Construction
• Animal Feed
• Chemical Production
• Agrochemicals
• Food & Beverages
• Others

Based on the End-User Industry, the market is divided into Pharmaceuticals, Water Treatment, Pigments, Construction, Animal Feed, Chemical Production, Agrochemicals, Food & Beverages, and Others. The water treatment segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to increased demand for clean drinking water and severe wastewater management rules. Ferrous sulfate is commonly used as a coagulant in water treatment operations to effectively remove pollutants and improve water quality. As urbanization and industrialization continue to expand internationally, the demand for efficient water treatment solutions will increase ferrous sulfate's market share in this industry.

Ferrous Sulfate Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the ferrous sulfate market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is estimated to dominate during the forecasted period due to high demand in the water treatment industry, where ferrous sulfate is commonly employed as a coagulant to remove pollutants from drinking water and wastewater. Furthermore, the rising animal feed sector in North America contributes to ferrous sulfate's robust consumption, reinforcing the segment's market leadership.

Key Players

• The "Ferrous Sulfate Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Venator Materials PLC, KRONOS Worldwide, Inc., Verdesian Life Sciences LLC, Crown Technology, Inc., Guangxi Jintao Titanium Co. Ltd., Chemland Group, Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd, Merck KGaA, Pencco, Inc., and Rochling Group.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• In April 2024, BASF introduced a new line of ferrous sulfate solutions specifically tailored for agricultural applications. These products are designed to promote soil health and increase crop yields. The introduction is part of BASF's aim to extend its agricultural range and answer the growing global need for effective soil nutrients.
• In July 2024, GFS Chemicals stated that its Ohio facility would be expanding its production capacity for ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. This expansion intends to fulfill rising demand in the agriculture and water treatment sectors, as the company strives to improve supply chain efficiency and product availability throughout North America.