Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Agricultural Surfactants Market Outlook

• Non-ionic surfactants are the most used agricultural surfactants, compatible with a wide range of agrochemicals, and are popular for tank mixing and enhancing the effectiveness of various pesticides.

• As per agricultural surfactants market dynamics and trends, the total annual global cereal production is around 2,500 million metric tonnes, which drives the demand for agricultural surfactants.

• Global per capita food consumption is expected to rise by more than 40% between 2022 and 2040, driven by population growth and increasing calorific intake.

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Key Trends and Recent Developments

Shift towards sustainable agriculture, adoption of precision farming, and rising demand for food are factors fuelling the market expansion.

June 2024

Coromandel International Ltd has inaugurated a nano fertiliser plant in Andhra Pradesh, with an annual capacity of one crore bottles. This could lead to an increase in demand for surfactants that are compatible with nano fertilisers.

June 2024

Pesticide use in Telangana has increased exponentially, making it the third highest in the country. The state's farmers use 900 grams of pesticides per hectare, which is a significant concern for food safety. This could increase the demand for bio-based surfactants that are less harmful and aid agricultural surfactants demand.

June 2024

The Governor of Telangana has urged farm scientists to focus on efficient water management and improving crop yields. This focus could drive the demand for agricultural surfactants as they aid in crop protection and better revenue.

May 2024

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has allocated R2 million to support the Citrus Growers Association's Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Programme to suppress the False Codling Moth pest affecting export crops. This initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Shift towards sustainable agriculture

There is a growing demand for eco-friendly surfactants that enable reduced application rates of agrochemicals while maintaining efficacy. For example, Clariant AG offers Synergen OS, a bio-based green agricultural adjuvant made from methylated seed oil.

Rising use of precision farming

A key trend in agricultural surfactants market is the growth is the rising adoption rate of precision farming. By utilising precision farming, the soil type and nutrient levels in the soil can be accurately analysed and suitable agricultural surfactants identified for desired results.

Advancements in technology

Innovations in surfactant formulation techniques are leading to the development of more efficient products, attracting farmers and agrochemical manufacturers. Advanced surfactants offer benefits such as reduced application rates, improved crop protection, and minimised environmental impact.

Agricultural Surfactants Market Trends

The widespread need for agricultural surfactants across the agricultural sector is expected to drive the demand of agricultural surfactants market. Furthermore, the low toxicity of agricultural surfactants and their ability to enhance the effectiveness of the pesticides and herbicides drives their adoption.

Additionally, the use of bio-based agricultural surfactants is increasing rapidly as people are shifting their preference from silicon-based surfactants to bio-based surfactants owing to their cost-effectiveness and environment-friendly properties. Biosurfactants are considered less harmful to the environment as they are prepared using plants and microorganisms.

Agricultural Surfactants Market Growth

An agricultural surfactant is a surface active agent that helps in the reduction of surface tension so that it becomes easier for a liquid to penetrate the surface of crops. The growth of the agricultural surfactants market is driven by the increasing demand for crop protection products in the agricultural field to optimise yield and the adoption of precision farming methods. Additionally, the shrinking arable land and growing food demand globally due to the increasing world population are also contributing to the market growth.

Industry Outlook

As per the agricultural surfactants industry analysis, the Indian government launched the "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana" scheme in 2022, which provides subsidised crop insurance and encourages the use of modern agricultural inputs, including surfactants, to improve crop yields. Similarly, China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) emphasises the development of high-efficiency and eco-friendly agricultural technologies, which is expected to drive the demand for sustainable agricultural surfactants.

The North American region, on the other hand, is increasing focus on sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, the Canadian government has invested USD 165 million to support the development of sustainable agriculture technologies, including those involving surfactants, which can further contribute to the growth of the agricultural surfactants industry.

Moreover, several market players are introducing bio-based surfactants amid the rising environmental issues in the agricultural sector. For instance, Clariant company announced the launch of Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs), bio-based surfactants, in February 2022 to address sustainability concerns, which can further contribute to the agricultural surfactants industry revenue.

Factors Contributing to the Growth of the Global Market Driven by Increasing Agricultural Practices and Technological Advancements

• Increasing Agricultural Practices: The growing global population driving the demand for higher agricultural productivity and crop yields.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in surfactant formulations and applications enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in agriculture.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Rising demand for sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly surfactant solutions aids agricultural surfactants demand growth.

• Government Support: Government policies and subsidies promoting the use of surfactants in agriculture.

Challenges Impacting the Growth of the Global Market Include Regulatory Constraints and Environmental Concerns

• Regulatory Constraints: Stringent regulations and approval processes for new surfactant products.

• Environmental Concerns: Potential environmental impact and toxicity issues associated with some surfactants can impact agricultural surfactants market opportunities.

• High Costs: The relatively high cost of advanced surfactants compared to traditional agricultural inputs.

• Market Fragmentation: High level of market fragmentation with numerous small and regional players.

Opportunities in the Global Market Driven by Sustainable Farming Practices and Precision Agriculture

• Sustainable Farming Practices: The growing trend towards sustainable and organic farming practices driving demand for natural and biodegradable surfactants.

• Precision Agriculture: Increasing adoption of precision agriculture techniques requiring advanced surfactants for targeted applications aids agricultural surfactants demand forecast.

• Emerging Markets: Expansion opportunities in emerging markets with increasing adoption of modern agricultural practices.

• Product Diversification: Development of new surfactant formulations for specific crops and applications.

Setbacks Faced by the Global Market Due to Economic Uncertainties and Market Saturation

• Economic Uncertainties: Economic fluctuations impacting farmers' purchasing power and investment in agricultural inputs.

• Market Saturation: Saturation in developed markets leads to intense competition and price pressures that can affect agricultural surfactants market value.

• Technological Dependence: Dependence on continuous research and development to meet evolving agricultural needs.

• Public Perception: Challenges in overcoming public scepticism regarding the safety and efficacy of new surfactant products.

Key Price Indicators of the Global Agricultural Surfactants Market:

Raw Material Costs:

• Petroleum-Derived Ingredients: Many surfactants are derived from petrochemical sources, making their prices susceptible to fluctuations in crude oil prices. An increase in oil prices can lead to higher costs for producing surfactants and affect agricultural surfactants market revenue.

• Natural Sources: Some surfactants are made from natural oils and fats, such as coconut or palm oil. The availability and cost of these agricultural raw materials, affected by factors like weather conditions and crop yields, can influence pricing.

Production and Manufacturing Costs:

• Chemical Processing Costs: The complexity of the chemical processes involved in manufacturing surfactants can impact costs. 

• Energy Costs: The cost of energy required for manufacturing processes is a significant factor boosting agricultural surfactants market share.

Regulatory Environment:

• Environmental Regulations: Compliance with environmental regulations can add to production costs. 

• Product Safety Standards: Meeting safety standards for agricultural use can require additional testing and certification, impacting costs in agricultural surfactants industry.

Market Demand and Supply:

• Demand for Sustainable Products: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants, which can influence pricing. 

• Crop Production Trends: The level of agricultural activity and the types of crops being grown can affect the demand for specific surfactants.

Technological Advancements:

• Innovative Formulations: Development of new surfactant formulations that offer enhanced performance or environmental benefits can influence pricing. 

• Research and Development Costs: Investment in R&D to create new products or improve existing ones can enhance agricultural surfactants market competitiveness.

Economic Factors:

• Inflation and Currency Fluctuations: Economic conditions can impact the cost of raw materials and production, affecting surfactant pricing.

• Global Economic Conditions: Economic growth or recession in major agricultural markets can influence the demand for surfactants, impacting prices.

Competition and Market Dynamics:

• Market Competition: The presence of multiple manufacturers in the market can lead to competitive pricing strategies. 

• Product Differentiation: Differentiation based on product performance or sustainability can influence pricing strategies.

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Agricultural Surfactants Industry Segmentations

The EMR’s report titled “Agricultural Surfactants Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Anionic

• Non-Ionic

• Cationic

• Amphoteric

Market Breakup by Substrate Type

• Bio-based

• Synthetic

Market Breakup by Application

• Herbicides

• Insecticides

• Fungicides

• Others

Market Breakup by Crop Type

• Cereals and Grains

• Corn

• Wheat

• Others

• Fruits and Vegetables

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America 

• Middle East and Africa

Agricultural Surfactants Market Share

Anionic and non-ionic surfactants are widely used due to their low toxicity and rising demand

Anionic type occupies a sizable share in the market owing to the rising demand and application of anionic agricultural surfactants. They are relatively low cost and can be added to insecticides, plant growth regulators, pesticides, and rust removers, improving the soil quality for crop growth. As they generate foam upon mixing, anionic agricultural surfactants are effective for suspending and lifting particulate soils. Anionic agricultural surfactants also contain sulfonates, sulphate, dispersants, and carboxylates which are beneficial for crops.

However, as per agricultural surfactants market analysis, non-ionic agricultural surfactants are expected to observe significant growth over the forecast period. This is because they are harmless to plants and are effective and stable while breaking the surface water tension.

Agricultural surfactants are mostly used for enhancing the efficacy of herbicides, followed by insecticides

The herbicides segment holds the largest market share due to the widespread use of herbicides in agriculture to control weeds and improve crop yields. For example, glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used to control weeds in crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton.

The insecticides segment, in contrast, is expected to hold a significant market share due to the growing demand for insecticides to control pests, protect crops and boost the agricultural surfactants market expansion. For instance, neonicotinoid insecticides are commonly used to control pests in crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.

The fungicides segment, however, holds a smaller market share compared to herbicides and insecticides but is still a significant segment due to the growing demand for fungicides to control fungal diseases in crops. For example, fungicides containing active ingredients such as azoles and strobilurins are used to control fungal diseases in crops such as wheat, maize, corn, and soybeans.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are investing in research and development to create eco-friendly surfactants that minimise environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness

Evonik Industries AG, founded in 2007 with headquarters in Essen, Germany is a speciality chemicals company. It operates through several units and provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with a wide range of standard and exclusive APIs, and polymers for parental and oral drug delivery.

Solvay S.A. is a chemicals company which was established in 1863 and has its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. It manufactures and sells essential chemicals and chemical materials, specialty polymers such as flavours and fragrances and antioxidants and stabilisers, among other products.

The Dow Chemical Company was founded in 1897 and is a multinational chemicals corporation based in Michigan, United States. The company produces and distributes raw materials for industries such as processed food, electronics, agriculture, and oil and gas, chemical processing, and automotive.

Clariant International Ltd is a chemical manufacturing company in the agricultural surfactants industry that was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. It is a subsidiary of Clariant AG and supplies speciality chemicals and fertilisers for agricultural, healthcare, and personal care industries.

Other key players in the global market include Nufarm Ltd., among others.

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Agricultural Surfactants Market Regional Analysis

North America's dominance in the market is driven by its advanced farming practices and presence of leading industry players

North America accounts for a significant share in the market due to the established agricultural sector, rising expenditure towards agriculture, and increasing adoption of technologically advanced techniques for farming. Policies of governments in the region to promote high-yield agricultural output are also contributing to the agricultural surfactants industry development in the region.

The presence of prominent agrochemical companies within North America fuels research and development efforts, leading to continuous innovation of surfactant formulations tailored to the region's diverse crop profiles. For example, Corteva Agriscience recently launched a new agricultural surfactant called Instinct that improves the efficacy of nitrogen-based fertilizers.

Meanwhile, the agricultural sector in the Asia Pacific region is expanding, with governments in countries like India and China investing heavily in modernising farming practices and promoting the use of advanced agricultural technologies, including surfactants.

Key Highlights of the Report

Agricultural Surfactants Market Report Snapshots

Agricultural Surfactants Market Size

Agricultural Surfactants Market Growth

Agricultural Surfactants Market Trends

Agricultural Surfactants Market Share

Agricultural Surfactants Manufacturers

Agricultural Surfactants Market Regional Analysis