Agricultural Surfactants Market Size

Agricultural Surfactants Market Overview

Agricultural Surfactants Market Size was valued at USD 1.9 Billion in 2023. The agricultural surfactants market industry is projected to grow from USD 2.008 Billion in 2024 to USD 2.96 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The increasing demand for agrochemicals to boost agricultural production and the growing trend of adopting sustainable farming practices are the primary market drivers propelling the agricultural surfactants market forward.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Agricultural Surfactants Market Trends

• 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.

Agricultural Surfactants Market Segment Insights

Agricultural Surfactants Product Type Insights

Based on product type, the agricultural surfactants market segmentation includes non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric. The non-ionic category dominated the market, accounting for 32% of market revenue due to its rising demand and advantages over other agricultural surfactants. Non-ionic surfactants, for example, combine uncharged hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, making them more effective as crop-wetting, spreading, and emulsifying agents. Compared to other agricultural surfactants, non-ionic surfactants help reduce surface tension, which aids in the penetration of agrochemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides into the soil surface. Moreover, adding non-ionic surfactants to crop formulations increases overall productivity while decreasing runoff water. Non-ionic surfactants are also good dispersants, are relatively stable in cold water, and are less hazardous to plants and animals than other agricultural surfactants. As a result, these advantages propel its demand over other agricultural surfactants, which will likely enhance market growth in the forecast period.  

Agricultural Surfactants Substrate Type Insights

Based on substrate type, the agricultural surfactants market segmentation includes synthetic and bio-based. The synthetic segment dominated the market, accounting for 66% of revenue (1.2 billion). This is due to their qualities, such as high dispersion, water stability, and being less toxic to plants. Synthetic substrates are extensively utilized as they improve the efficiency of active spray components by providing equal dispersion and great wetting qualities.

Figure 1: Agricultural Surfactants Market, by Substrate Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

The bio-based segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the agricultural surfactants industry in the coming years. They are made from yeasts, bacteria, and fungus. This increase is attributed to an increased understanding of eco-friendly pesticides and the demand for less hazardous crop protection. This category has a promising role in the agricultural economy.

Agricultural Surfactants Application Insights

Based on application, the agricultural surfactants market segmentation includes herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The herbicides category generated the most income (40%). This is due to the widespread use of herbicides such as glufosinate, glyphosate, and others in crop protection worldwide. Due to their enormous agricultural industries, India, China, Brazil, and Argentina are among the pesticide-consuming countries. Herbicide demand in these countries is projected to be driven by large-scale agricultural production.

Agricultural Surfactants Regional Insights

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, MRFR 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.

Agricultural Surfactants Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

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.

Key Companies in the agricultural surfactants market include

• Croda International Plc (U.K.)


• Nufarm Limited (Australia)


• 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)


• Huntsman International LLC (U.S.)


• Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC (U.S.)

Agricultural Surfactants Industry Developments

March 2021: BASF formed a strategic agreement with Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd in Japan & Holiferm Ltd in the United Kingdom to expand its position in the bio-based surfactants industry. The cooperation intends to broaden the company's bio-based product offering.

July 2021: Azelis acquired Coseal's agricultural/horticultural surfactant business in South Korea. The primary goal of this acquisition was to develop and boost the company's growth in the Asia Pacific region.

March 2020: Wilbur-Ellis introduced a surfactant developed to boost crop performance and safety. It improves the performance of insecticides, fungicides, and other agrochemicals by improving spray material wetting and spreading.

Agricultural Surfactants Market Segmentation

Agricultural Surfactants Product Type Outlook

• Non-ionic


• Anionic


• Cationic


• Amphoteric

Agricultural Surfactants Substrate Type Outlook

• Synthetic


• Bio-based

Agricultural Surfactants Application Outlook

• Herbicides


• Fungicides


• Insecticides

Agricultural Surfactants Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America