Europe Ammonium Sulphate Market Research Report Information by Type (Solid and Liquid), By Application (Fertilizer, Industrial, Textile, Water treatment, Food and Others) and By Country - Europe Forecast to 2032

Europe Ammonium Sulphate Market Overview

The Ammonium Sulphate Market Size was valued at USD 5,440.7 Million in 2023. The Ammonium Sulphate Market is projected to grow USD 6,998.4 Million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.83% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula (NH₄) ₂SO₄, formed through the reaction of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) with ammonia (NH₃). This compound plays a crucial role in various industrial and agricultural applications, primarily due to its high solubility in water and its ability to provide essential nutrients to plants. Ammonium sulfate is characterized by its high melting point, decomposing at temperatures exceeding 280°C. In its solid form, it appears as a white crystalline substance. One of its most notable features is its solubility in water; at 0°C, it dissolves at a rate of 70.6 grams per 100 grams of water, and this solubility increases to 103.8 grams per 100 grams of water at 100°C. This property makes it particularly useful in agricultural practices where quick nutrient availability is essential.

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

Ammonium Sulphate Market Trends

RISING DEMAND FOR AMMONIUM SULPHATE IN FERTILIZERS

One of the primary factors driving the rising demand for ammonium sulphate in fertilizers is its dual role as a source of both nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S), essential nutrients for plant growth. Ammonium sulfate is a widely used sulfur (S) fertilizer, accounting for approximately 50% of global sulfur use. It plays a crucial role in nitrogen (N) management, despite the challenge that ammonium-based fertilizers, like ammonium sulfate, face volatilization of ammonia (NH₃) in soils with pH levels above 7. This issue is often overlooked when considering sulfur fertilization. Once applied to soil, ammonium sulfate quickly dissolves into its ammonium and sulfate components. Plants can efficiently use both ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen for growth. In warmer soils, microbes initiate nitrification, converting ammonium into nitrate (2 NH₄⁺ + 3O₂ → 2NO₃⁻ + 2H₂O + 4H⁺). This process releases acidity (H⁺), gradually reducing soil pH with repeated applications. Ammonium sulfate's acidifying effect on the soil results from the nitrification process, not from the sulfate component, which has little impact on pH. The potential for soil acidification with ammonium sulfate is higher than that of ammonium nitrate because all the nitrogen in ammonium sulfate converts to nitrate, compared to only half in ammonium nitrate.

The use of mineral fertilizers, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), plays a crucial role in the agricultural production. Fertilizer consumption is widespread across Europe, with arable crops dominating the fertilized area. According to Fertilizers Europe, the EU accounts for a relatively small share of global fertilizer production: only 9% of the nitrogen, 3% of the phosphate, and 8% of the potash worldwide are produced within the region. This creates a reliance on imports to meet agricultural demands. Fertilized areas across the EU show significant variation based on regional agricultural priorities. In Western Europe (EU-14), 46% of the agricultural area is dedicated to arable crops, with cereals comprising 27%. Meanwhile, 19% of the area is grassland, and 9% is used for permanent crops such as vineyards and orchards. In contrast, the EU-13 countries of Central and Eastern Europe focus more heavily on arable production, with 70% of the agricultural land used for arable crops. This variance in agricultural practices drives the differing fertilizer requirements across the region. Additionally, the need to maintain crop productivity on nutrient-deficient soils has significantly increased demand for fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, which offers both nitrogen and sulfur to support plant growth.

GROWING DEMAND FROM FOOD INDUSTRY

The rising demand for ammonium sulfate in the European food industry is largely driven by its extensive use across multiple food applications, particularly in bread, baked goods, winemaking, brewing, and sausage manufacturing. The food industry in Europe, is seeing an increased reliance on this compound due to its nitrogen content, which plays a critical role in food production processes. Bread is a daily staple across Europe, and the growing trend toward organic and artisanal bread has led to the increased use of ammonium sulfate in bread production. Ammonium sulfate acts as a dough conditioner, improving the elasticity and consistency of bread dough, which results in superior texture and quality in the final product. As a stabilizer, it ensures the structural integrity of bread, allowing it to maintain its shape and softness for longer periods, which is essential for extending shelf life. This is particularly important in organic bread markets, such as Germany, France, and Italy, where consumers demand products that are not only healthier but also of premium quality. The nitrogen content in ammonium sulfate supports yeast growth by providing a nutrient source, ensuring that fermentation occurs evenly, thereby producing consistent bread with the desired rise and volume. The growing organic bread market, where Germany holds an 8.5% share, reflects the increasing demand for such additives to enhance the quality and longevity of baked goods.

The rising demand for ammonium sulfate in the European food industry is largely driven by its extensive use across multiple food applications, particularly in bread, baked goods, winemaking, brewing, and sausage manufacturing. The food industry in Europe, is seeing an increased reliance on this compound due to its nitrogen content, which plays a critical role in food production processes. Bread is a daily staple across Europe, and the growing trend toward organic and artisanal bread has led to the increased use of ammonium sulfate in bread production. Ammonium sulfate acts as a dough conditioner, improving the elasticity and consistency of bread dough, which results in superior texture and quality in the final product. As a stabilizer, it ensures the structural integrity of bread, allowing it to maintain its shape and softness for longer periods, which is essential for extending shelf life. This is particularly important in organic bread markets, such as Germany, France, and Italy, where consumers demand products that are not only healthier but also of premium quality. The nitrogen content in ammonium sulfate supports yeast growth by providing a nutrient source, ensuring that fermentation occurs evenly, thereby producing consistent bread with the desired rise and volume. The growing organic bread market, where Germany holds an 8.5% share, reflects the increasing demand for such additives to enhance the quality and longevity of baked goods.

INCREASING USE IN PHARMACEUTICALS

The growing demand in the pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to significantly enhance growth opportunities in the European ammonium sulfate market. With projected revenues reaching US$196.50 billion in 2024, the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in Europe, is poised for substantial growth. This expansion is further underscored by the dominance of oncology drugs, which alone are expected to generate a market volume of US$34.26 billion in 2024. The projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.53% from 2024 to 2029 indicates a promising trajectory, with market volume expected to soar to US$245.20 billion by 2029.

Ammonium sulfate, particularly in its NF granulated form, serves as a vital laboratory reagent and buffer, widely utilized in various biochemical and molecular biology applications. As a buffering agent, it maintains a stable pH in biochemical reactions, which is crucial for experiments involving enzymes and proteins, as even slight deviations in pH can lead to significant variations in activity and stability. Furthermore, ammonium sulfate's solubility properties facilitate its role in protein precipitation and fractionation. By altering the ionic strength of solutions, ammonium sulfate promotes the selective precipitation of proteins, aiding researchers in isolating specific proteins from complex mixtures. This ability to precipitate proteins effectively is pivotal for proteomics studies, where understanding protein interactions and functions is essential. Additionally, in the context of high-throughput screening and drug discovery, ammonium sulfate aids in crystallization, an essential step for determining protein structures. The growing emphasis on research and development in biopharmaceuticals has fueled demand for high-quality reagents, positioning ammonium sulfate as a cornerstone in laboratories focused on drug development and protein research.

Ammonium Sulphate Market Segment Insights:

Ammonium Sulphate Market by Type Insights

The Europe Ammonium Sulphate Market segmentation, based on Type has been segmented as Solid and Liquid. Among these, the Solid segment is projected to dominate the Europe Ammonium Sulphate market revenue through the projected period. Solid ammonium sulphate is the most prevalent form of this compound, characterized by its crystalline structure and white or off-white appearance. With the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4, solid ammonium sulphate is typically produced through the reaction of ammonia with sulphuric acid or by treating ammonium-containing solutions with sulphuric acid. One of the key advantages of solid ammonium sulphate is its stability and ease of handling. It can be efficiently transported and stored without significant risk of degradation, making it a preferred choice for many agricultural applications. As a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, solid ammonium sulphate is particularly beneficial for crops that have a high sulfur requirement, such as canola, corn, and various vegetables. The slow-release nature of solid fertilizers allows for prolonged nutrient availability in the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and higher yields.

Ammonium Sulphate Market by Type, 2023, 2032 (USD Million)

Ammonium Sulphate Market by Application Insights

Based on Application, the Ammonium Sulphate market has been segmented into Fertilizer, Industrial, Textile, Water treatment, Food and Others. Among these, the Fertilizer segment is projected to dominate the Europe Ammonium Sulphate market revenue through the projected period. The fertilizer application of ammonium sulfate dominates the European market, driven by its dual role as a nitrogenous and sulfurous fertilizer. Nitrogen and sulfur are both vital nutrients for plant growth. Nitrogen, an essential macronutrient, is key to photosynthesis and the development of plant tissues, while sulfur is necessary for amino acid formation, enzyme activity, and the synthesis of proteins. The high sulfur content in ammonium sulfate makes it especially valuable in regions with sulfur-deficient soils, where it addresses key nutrient imbalances and enhances plant vitality. Ammonium sulfate is widely used across Europe in the cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, rice, oilseeds, and potatoes, which require consistent nitrogen and sulfur supplementation for optimal yields. In recent years, the increasing emphasis on precision farming and soil health management has further fueled demand for ammonium sulfate fertilizers. It is often applied directly to the soil or blended with other nitrogenous fertilizers like urea or ammonium nitrate, providing flexibility to farmers looking to balance their crops’ nutritional needs.

Ammonium Sulphate Market by Application, 2023, 2032 (USD Million)

Ammonium Sulphate Market Regional Insights

By Country, the Europe market is segmented into Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Russia, Netherland, Portugal, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Rest of Europe. Among these, the Belgium is projected to dominate the Europe Ammonium Sulphate market revenue through the projected period. Belgium’s agricultural sector, though smaller than that of its neighboring countries, still relies on fertilizers like ammonium sulfate to maintain soil fertility and improve crop yields. The country’s focus on high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants makes nutrient management crucial, and ammonium sulfate plays a role in providing essential nitrogen and sulfur. In addition to agriculture, Belgium’s strong chemical and pharmaceutical industries use ammonium sulfate in processes such as protein purification and water treatment. The country’s advanced industrial base and focus on innovation contribute to the demand for ammonium sulfate in various niche applications, including flame retardants and textiles. Belgium’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection may influence future fertilizer use, but ammonium sulfate’s role in supporting both agriculture and industry ensures its continued relevance in the Belgian market.

Ammonium Sulphate Market by Country, 2023, 2032 (USD Million)

Ammonium Sulphate Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The Europe ammonium sulphate market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors. All the players in the market are competing to gain maximum market share. Intense competition, frequent changes in government policies, and market demand are key factors that impact market growth. The vendors compete based on cost and product quality, and reliability. The vendors must provide cost-efficient and high-quality products to sustain their presence in the market. The rising demand for ammonium sulphate in fertilizers is one of the major drivers that are accelerating the demand for ammonium sulphate in the market. Furthermore, increasing use of ammonium sulphate in pharmaceuticals and textile industries is further creating significant growth opportunities for ammonium sulphate which is contributing to increasing the product demand substantially.

Key Companies in the Ammonium Sulphate Market includes:

• UBE Corporation Europe


• BASF SE


• Evonik Industries AG


• Lanxess 


• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. 


• Honeywell International Inc.


• DOMO Chemicals


• Fibrant 


• Glentham Life Sciences


• Jost Chemical Co

Ammonium Sulphate Industry Developments

In August 2023, UBE Corporation Europe has received the official certification of its Asset Management System according to the ISO55001:2014 standard. This certification covers all the physical fixed assets involved in the design, development, and manufacture of chemical products and engineering plastics in its manufacturing Plant in Castellon as well as UBE’s facilities in the Port of Castellon.

In September 2024, DOMO Chemicals has been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Gold medal for the second consecutive year, marking an impressive 8-point improvement to 78/100 in its sustainability score. This achievement places DOMO among the top 2% of companies evaluated by EcoVadis, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical business conduct.

Ammonium Sulphate Segmentation

Ammonium Sulphate Type Outlook

• Solid


• Liquid

Ammonium Sulphate Application Outlook

• Fertilizer


• Industrial


• Textile


• Water treatment


• Food


• Others

Ammonium Sulphate Country Outlook

• Germany


• France


• UK


• Spain


• Italy


• Russia


• Netherland


• Portugal


• Poland


• Ukraine


• Romania


• Belgium


• Sweden


• Denmark


• Norway


• Rest of Europe