Agricultural Surfactants Market

• Growing need for crop protection to drive market growth

The growing need for crop protection products in agricultural areas worldwide is driving the market CAGR for agricultural surfactants. Agricultural surfactants are generally utilized as an additive for agrochemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and others. agricultural production, including coarse grains and wheat, is predicted to rise by 9% between 2021 and 2030, according to the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO). These surfactants are used in agrochemicals as plant regulators, promoting the plant's growth and productivity. They are often used as additives in agrochemical formulations.

They are applied to crops such as grains & cereals, pulses & oilseeds, fruits & vegetables, and other crops to promote growth and productivity while controlling various insects or pests that otherwise destroy them.

The increasing prevalence of agricultural illnesses and insect infestations has increased the demand for larger yields and the development of a higher-quality crop. As a result, the need for pesticides and insecticides has increased. In June 2020, for example, locusts swarmed in large numbers in numerous nations, including India, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Yemen, Iran, and others, causing significant crop destruction and damage. Agricultural surfactants, on the other hand, are additives used in agrochemicals to boost pesticide efficiency. They provide low toxicity to plants and a superior dispersing agent, which will benefit market growth.

In addition, the growing population is increasing the demand for agricultural products and crop output. This, in turn, increases the need for more pesticides, driving up demand for agricultural surfactants. Plant-based oils and petroleum raw materials are used to make agricultural surfactants. Furthermore, increased sustainability awareness has prompted businesses to use agricultural surfactants and focus on R&D initiatives to improve bio-based surfactants. For example, in June 2019, Evonik produced sustainable surfactants for crop protection solutions. The company created harmless surfactants that give environmentally friendly crop protection benefits. The newest surfactants meet eco-toxicological, sustainability, and safety standards.

As a result of the increasing customer desire for bio-based products, such innovations related to bio-based agricultural surfactants are predicted to accelerate the agricultural surfactants market revenue growth in the approaching years.

The Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 6200 USD Million by 2035. This growth trajectory is supported by a compound annual growth rate of 5.34% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing adoption of surfactants in various agricultural applications, coupled with the rising demand for sustainable farming practices, contributes to this optimistic outlook. As the industry evolves, it is anticipated that new surfactant formulations will emerge, further driving market expansion and meeting the diverse needs of modern agriculture.

The expansion of the global agrochemical market is a key driver for the Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry. As the demand for fertilizers and pesticides increases, so does the need for surfactants that enhance their effectiveness. The agrochemical sector is projected to grow significantly, with surfactants playing a crucial role in improving the performance of these products. This growth is reflected in the market's expected value of 3500 USD Million in 2024. The synergy between agrochemicals and surfactants is likely to foster innovation, leading to the development of new formulations that cater to evolving agricultural needs.

Technological advancements in agriculture are significantly influencing the Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry. Innovations such as precision agriculture and biotechnology are leading to the development of more effective surfactants that enhance the performance of agrochemicals. These advancements allow for targeted application, reducing waste and improving environmental sustainability. As a result, the market is expected to grow, with projections indicating a value of 6200 USD Million by 2035. The integration of smart farming technologies with surfactants could potentially revolutionize crop management, making it more efficient and sustainable.

Growing awareness regarding the environmental impact of agricultural practices is shaping the Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry. Stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the role of surfactants in reducing chemical runoff and improving the efficiency of agrochemical applications. This awareness is driving demand for eco-friendly surfactants that align with sustainable farming practices. As consumers and regulatory bodies push for greener solutions, the market is likely to see a shift towards products that minimize ecological footprints. This trend may contribute to the projected growth of the market, reaching 6200 USD Million by 2035.

The Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry benefits from increasing regulatory support aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Governments worldwide are implementing policies that encourage the use of environmentally friendly surfactants, which can enhance the effectiveness of agrochemicals while minimizing environmental impact. This regulatory landscape is likely to drive market growth, as manufacturers adapt to meet these standards. The anticipated compound annual growth rate of 5.34% from 2025 to 2035 suggests that the industry is poised for expansion, as stakeholders prioritize sustainability in agricultural practices.

The Global Agricultural Surfactants Market Industry is experiencing a surge in demand for crop protection products, driven by the need for enhanced agricultural productivity. As farmers seek to maximize yields, the incorporation of surfactants in pesticides and herbicides becomes essential. These surfactants improve the efficacy of active ingredients, ensuring better coverage and penetration. For instance, the market is projected to reach 3500 USD Million in 2024, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of surfactants in modern agriculture. This trend is likely to continue as the global population increases, necessitating more efficient farming practices.

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American agricultural surfactants market accounted for USD 0.82 billion in 2022 and will likely exhibit a significant CAGR growth in the study period. A large regional manufacturing base for agrochemicals is expected to boost the agricultural surfactants market growth. The U.S. is one of the largest food crop-producing countries, and the technological advancement in modern farming methods has boosted the demand for agrochemicals.

Using fertilizers and pesticides to produce higher yields with minimum crop loss will likely fuel the demand for chemical surfactants. Also, high R&D to develop better, sustainable, and enhanced agricultural surfactants by organizations like the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to impact regional market growth positively.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, the UK, Italy, France, China, Spain, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: AGRICULTURAL SURFACTANTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe agricultural surfactants market accounts for the second-largest market share. The growing use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other agrochemicals is expected to drive market expansion in this region. The region is a major grower of grapes, which need pesticides and fungicides. This is predicted to have a beneficial market impact. Further, the German agricultural surfactants market held the largest market share, and the UK agricultural surfactants market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Agricultural Surfactants Market is predicted to develop at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032, owing to strong demand for improved crop types, rising population, and the existence of countries with huge arable lands. Countries like India, China, and Japan are key contributors to regional market growth. The region's overall arable land is declining due to urbanization and industrialization. As a result, agriculturists prefer agrochemicals to boost productivity and yield, driving demand for agricultural surfactants.

Moreover, China’s agricultural surfactants market held the largest market share, and the Indian agricultural surfactants market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are making substantial investments in research & development to drive innovation and enhance their product offerings. These investments aim to cater to the evolving needs of the agricultural surfactants industry and provide effective surfactant solutions for various crop protection and agrochemical applications. Key market developments include the introduction of new surfactant formulations optimized for different crop protection products and agrochemical applications.

Major manufacturers in the agricultural surfactants industry are spending extensively on R&D activities to develop highly advanced products and integrate new characteristics and technologies to lead a sustainable future. Furthermore, collaborations and partnerships with other organizations are prominent in the market, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technological expertise. Strategic alliances enable companies to access new markets and expand their product distribution networks, enhancing their footprint in the agricultural surfactants industry.

Major players in the agricultural surfactants market, including Croda International Plc (U.K.), Monsanto Company (U.S.), Stepan Company (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), DowDuPont Inc (U.S.), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands), Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC (U.S.), Solvay SA (Belgium), Clariant International AG (Switzerland), are leveraging their scientific expertise to develop surfactants that enhance the efficacy of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, improving their adhesion, spreading, and wetting properties.

Croda International Plc is a chemical company that manufactures and sells specialty chemicals. The company’s product portfolio includes active ingredients and cosmetic oils used in crop care, coatings & polymers, geo technologies, home care, health care, lubricants, industrial chemicals, personal care, and polymer additives. It provides products to various sectors, including personal care, consumer care, life sciences, and industrial specialties. The company operates in China, France, the US, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, Sweden, Australia, and South Africa. Croda's headquarters are in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Croda released and validated its ECO line of bio-based surfactants in October 2018.

The new 100% bio-based and renewable non-ionic surfactant line is the most comprehensive and commercially accessible. It is also certified to meet the BioPreferred program standards of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

DowDuPont Inc, a leading chemical conglomerate, was formed in 2017 through the merger of Dow Chemical Company and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company. The company's diversified portfolio encompasses various products and solutions, including specialty chemicals, materials science, and agricultural products. Dow introduced a new VORASURF™ Silicone Surfactants product extension in March 2022 to serve the growing demand for greater energy efficiency and sustainable solutions in the rigid polyurethane foam sector, emphasizing spray and construction applications.