Sulfur fertilizers Market

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Size

The global sulfur fertilizers market was valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 6.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 2.9%.

The market for sulfur fertilizers is advancing market growth because there is an emerging need for increased crop yields from around the world and a diminishing level of sulfur in soils because of its vigorous use in farming. Emerging trends are showing a growing use of sulfate and potassium sulfate as preferable sulfate fertilizers because of their multi-nutritional value for plants.

Sulfur helps producers in the agricultural sector by improving the production of plant proteins, aids in the synthesis of important biological catalysts, and enables the formation of chlorophyll. If implemented properly, sulfur can improve the proper use of nitrogen, therefore, improving the overall quality of the soil, enhancing crop yield. Succeeding global agricultural output, especially in sulfur scarce geography, increases the need for sulfur within fertilizers, thus the ever-growing sulfur deficient regions continues to grow. 

This market is driven by an increase in plant food production due to population growth, reduced atmospheric deposition of sulfur leading to its lower levels in soils, and stems from the increased focus on effective nutrient distribution. In addition, increased funding for the diversification of oilseed and cereals cultivation, increased government funding aimed at enhancing agricultural output, and improved methods of fertilizer production aid the development of this market.

The growing use of sulfur in the United Kingdom in 2023 pointed towards a realization of sulfur deficiency in soils and a growing need for sulfur fertilizers. The plant specific application rates are remarkably higher than the expected average – 28 kg/ha for cropping grass, 5 kg/ha for grass, and 15 kg/ha for all crops and grass. Consequently, this indicates greater market potential. Overall, this implies an increased uptake of sulfur-based fertilizers, which enhances sales and creativity and simultaneously emphasizes an increasing need for proper nutrients management in farming today.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Trends

Anticipated changes in the sulfur fertilizer market are expected due to new developments, market openings, changes in regulations, and new technology.  The use of sulfur in farming is becoming more effective owing to digital farming technologies and precision agriculture solutions. There seems to be an evident movement toward more sustainable and specialty bio-based and controlled-released sulfur fertilizers. In addition, there is an increasing market influence due to the enhanced sulfur fertilizers used in organic farming.

The growing cultivation of high-profit oilseeds and other high-protein crops is positively impacting the demand for the sulfur fertilizers. The increase in blended fertilizers is also noteworthy, as these contain sulfur bonded to nitrogen and phosphorus. Promising opportunities are found in the increasing agricultural activities in sulfur deficient areas, especially in Africa and Asia-Pacific. 

For instance, in June 2024, Coromandel International introduced a new fertilizer called 'Paramfos Plus'. This product contains 16% Nitrogen, 20% Phosphorus, 13% Sulphur, and 0.6% Magnesium.

Innovation in agriculture and soil health management, along with the sustainable approach to fertilizer use, are affecting product development. Stricter regulations concerning fertilizers’ physiological and ecological characteristics have been imposed by governments as well. With the promotion of balanced subsidizations and policies for controlled fertilization, these also allow for easier adoption of sulfur fertilizers. 

The newer approaches to eco-friendly agriculture are supported by the progression of microbial-based sulfur fertilizers as well. Advanced soil characterization and AI-based application techniques are increasing the usability of sulfur, while newer methods of producing sulfur fertilizers, like nano-sulfur technologies and sulfur-coated urea, are also meeting and surpassing environmental standards.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Analysis

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The sulfur fertilizers industry by type is segmented into sulfate fertilizer, elemental sulfur fertilizers, liquids sulfur fertilizers, others. The sulfate fertilizers accounted for 44.8% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 2.7% in 2034.

• The sulfur fertilizer market is largely dominated by sulfate-based fertilizer because of their highly soluble nature which makes them immediately available to plants. Sulfate fertilizers strengthen plant resistance to stress while improving nitrogen uptake and supporting chlorophyll formation. Adoption of these fertilizers has increased due to their effectiveness in numerous crops such as cereals, vegetables, and oilseeds. Farmers prefer sulfate fertilizers over other types as they combine effortlessly other nutrients within compound fertilizers, assisting in greater and modernized nutrient management.
  
• Elemental sulfur fertilizers serve as a long-lasting source of sulfur but require a sulfate conversion to make it available to plants. These fertilizers are useful for crops and soils which have a higher acidity level. Their use is now increasing in areas suffering from extreme levels of sulfur deficiency.
  
• Liquid sulfur is commonly used in fertigation and foliar applications due to the uniform nutrient absorption and distribution with ease. They are useful in high cultivation intensity while gradually taking hold due to the growing secondary methods of agriculture. Being able to control nutrient applications makes them particularly valuable in the sulfur fertilizers industry.
  
• For instance, in 2021, Yara International ASA developed a product variant, known as the YaraVita Optimum, which is a liquid sulfur fertilizer.

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The sulfur fertilizers market is segmented into dry and liquid by form. Liquid holds the market size of USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 2.9% CAGR.

• Liquid sulfur fertilizers are becoming popular because of their higher absorption rates, ease of use, and potential for use in precision agriculture. They are commonly employed in fertigation and foliar applications where plants readily take up sulfur and put it to immediate use. High-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds benefit from even nutrient distribution made possible through liquid formulations. Moreover, sulfur fertilizers in liquid forms can be conveniently mixed with other liquid nutrients, thus increasing fertilizer effectiveness. Modern agriculture is witnessing the growing application of liquid sulfur fertilizers due to the increasing adoption of precision farming and the use of irrigation-based fertilization. 
  
• For instance, in March 2023, The U.S. government announced a grant of USD 29 million to address the fertilizer shortage. This shows the upward trend in the fertilizer market and give a mature market for liquid fertilizer manufacturer.
  
• Dry sulphur fertilizers are also more storable and easier to transport and apply to the ground in extensive farming. Their capacity to mix with other dry macronutrient fertilizers makes them more desirable, thus ensuring maintenance of their position in the sulfur fertilizer market.
  

Based on crop type the sulfur fertilizers market is segmented into cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, fruits and vegetables, others. The cereals and grains segment holds a significant share of 29.8% of the market in 2024.

• Cereals and grains take the lead on the market when it comes to usage because of their achievement from agriculture and the high sulfur demand to achieve maximum growth. Fundamental crops like wheat, rice, maize, barley, and sorghum are reliant on sulfur for protein synthesis, chlorophyll development, and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. The application of sulfur improves the quality of grain, increases yield, and prevents oversupply deficiency which reduces crop productivity.
  
• For example, around 158 million metric tons of cereals were estimated to be produced in India at the end of financial year 2025. These cereals include rice, wheat, barley, millets and ragi among others. This is directly responsible for the growth in demand of fertilizer and can give manufacturer chance to generate more revenue by producing innovative and efficient sulfur fertilizer.
  
• Along with these, government efforts to encourage mixed fertilizer applications and rational soil treatment further increase the adoption of sulfur fertilizers targeting durability in sulfur deficient areas and grains and cereals farming.
  

Based on application the sulfur fertilizers market is segmented into soil application, foliar spray, fertigation, others. Soil application holds the market size of USD 2.6 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 2.9% CAGR.

• The application of sulfur fertilizers in soil applications is by far the most dominant in the agricultural sector as it guarantees nutrition supply to plant stems, while increasing long-term soil fertility and crop production. This is common practice in largescale agriculture of staple crops such as wheat, maize, and rice, where there is big requirement for protein and sulfur for enzyme activation during its growth stages. Elemental sulfur and sulfate-based sulfur fertilizers are often offered in the market for direct application onto the soil in the form of solution or solid which contains both available and slowly available sulfur. Moreover, nitrogen metabolism, soil fertility, and prevention of nutrient leaching are greatly assisted by soil application. With further integration of modern agricultural techniques, soil application of sulfur fertilizers is supreme due to its low cost, easy adoption, and use with other macronutrient fertilizers. These aspects enable sulfur fertilizers to dominate the global market.

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In the sulfur fertilizers market Asia Pacific dominated the market by accounting USD 754 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% in 2034.

The Asia-Pacific region leads the market in sulfur fertilizers because of intensive agriculture, an increasing need for food production, and prevalent sulfur-deficient soils. China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and many other economies are increasing their contribution to growth of the region’s agriculture sector with a marked increase in crop production, especially in cereals, oilseeds and cash crops. China and India being the topmost agricultural nations extensively use sulfur fertilizers to sustain soil fertility and crop productivity. Moreover, any government policy supporting balanced fertilizers and precision agriculture in these regions increases the need for sulfur fertilizers in agriculture. The growth of industrial agriculture along with the understanding of the role of sulfur in nutrition plants has strengthened the Asia Pacific to lead the world market for sulfur fertilizers.

For example, in July 2024, a Nano Fertilizer Usage Promotion Mahaabhiyan by selecting 200 model nano village clusters in Haryana was launched by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Corporative Limited (IFFCO). These types of initiatives reflect a strong growth potential in Asian region.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Share

In the sulfur fertilizers industry, Coromandel International, Haifa Group, ICL, Koch Industries, Martin Midstream Partners are the top 5 companies which holds a large share due to their broad product portfolio and established market position. These companies benefit from their global presence and brand name in the market.

For instance, in April 2024, Haifa Group expanded its presence in India through a partnership with DEEPAK, a public limited company. This collaboration aims to improve Indian farmers' access to advanced plant nutrition solutions, including sulfur-based fertilizers.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the sulfur fertilizers industry include:

• Coromandel International
• Haifa Group
• ICL
• Koch Industries
• Martin Midstream Partners
• Nufarm
• Nutrien
• Sulphur Mills
• The Mosaic Company
• EuroChem Group
  
• Coromandel International provides a variety of sulfate-based fertilizers and is a big name in the sulfur fertilizer market. Coromandel’s strong distribution channels and government support in agricultural practices make the company an important contributor in improving soil fertility and productivity of crops.
  
• Haifa Group enhances its global market presence by placing a strong focus on sulfate specialty fertilizers and water-soluble liquid sulfur ones. Like many, the company is also focused on precision agriculture. However, they have advanced their presence to Europe and North America, which are more developed agricultural areas.
  
• ICL has made a great mark by dominating the market and is known for their wide range of sulfur products, both sulfate and elemental. The American based company minimizes the gap between the high and low value crops by making the highly sought sulfur application solutions which are easily accessible.
  
• Nufarm is a major actor on the market for agricultural inputs, including sulfur fertilizers. The company invests in new product development to enhance the efficiency of sulfur utilization in crops. Nufarm’s operations in major agricultural markets like Australia, North America, and Europe enables the company to strengthen its market position further.
  
• Nutrien is a world leader and a broad marketer of fertilizers who uniquely offers a complete product line of sulfur fertilizers, including ammonium sulfate and elemental sulfur products. Nutrien's dominance in North America and other regions is being driven by its well-established retail network and strategically positioned acquisitions, resulting in constant market growth.
  
• Sulfur Mills Ltd. Micronized has advanced to become a leader in sulfur-based fertilizers with innovative micrinized sulfur and other formulations. The firm has a considerable market share in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in India, which is growing as the need for efficient high sulfur fertilizers increases. Their efforts in research and development are focused on solving the problems of modern agriculture in an environmentally sustainable manner.
  

Sulfur Fertilizers Industry News

• In November 2022, Anuvia Plant Nutrients signed an agreement with Petronas Chemicals in order to produce and market their fertilizer products in South East Asia. Petronas being a major player in Malaysia is expected to help Anuvia through their extensive distribution system in the region.
  
• In March 2021, The Mosaic Company announced that two of its offerings, Sus-Terra fertilizer and Microessentials have been deemed to be Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEF) by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO). This has made the two products eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture’s conservation stewardship program (CSP) for its sustainability credentials.
  

The sulfur fertilizers market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Sulfate fertilizers
• Elemental sulfur fertilizers
• Liquid sulfur fertilizers
• Other

Market, By Form

• Dry
• Liquid

Market, By Crop Type

• Cereals and grains
• Oilseeds and pulses
• Fruits and vegetables
• Others

Market, By Application

• Soil application
• Foliar spray
• Fertigation
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE