Nitrogen Fertilizer Global Market Report 2024

The nitrogen fertilizer market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $94.82 billion in 2023 to $101.11 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be ascribed to factors such as population growth and increased demand for food, progress in agricultural practices, government subsidies and policies, climate and weather conditions, and the dynamics of global trade and supply chains.

The nitrogen fertilizer market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $131.97 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The anticipated expansion in the forecast period is linked to environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives, increasing apprehensions regarding food security, the adoption of bio-based nitrogen fertilizers, strategies for climate change adaptation, and a heightened awareness of soil health. Key trends projected for the forecast period encompass advancements in fertilizer technology through research and development, the emergence of digital agriculture platforms, the implementation of precision agriculture technologies, innovations in fertilizer production technology, and a growing demand for urea-based fertilizers.

Globally, governments are making substantial investments to uplift the agricultural sector, thereby fostering an increased demand for fertilizers. As an illustration, the Indian government has announced additional fixed costs of $6.77 (Rs 500) for urea factories older than 30 years but still in production, with 30 urea factories receiving fixed costs at a rate of $4.74 (Rs 350) per metric ton. Considering that India imports over 50 lakh tons of urea, valued at more than a billion dollars annually, this initiative aims to enhance domestic urea production and reduce reliance on imports. Such initiatives in various countries are anticipated to support and boost the agricultural sector, consequently driving growth in the fertilizer market.

The anticipated growth of the nitrogen fertilizer market is further propelled by increasing crop losses. Crop losses, signifying a reduction in the quantity or quality of agricultural crops due to factors such as natural disasters, pests, diseases, adverse weather conditions, and other unfavorable events, highlight the importance of nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen, being an essential nutrient for plant growth, plays a crucial role in enhancing crop yields. For example, a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization published in June 2021 revealed that up to 40% of the world's annual food yield was lost to pests. This resulted in an annual economic loss of over $220 billion due to plant diseases and at least $70 billion attributed to invasive insects globally. Consequently, the escalating crop losses underscore the significance of nitrogen fertilizers, contributing to the growth of the nitrogen fertilizer market.

Nitrogen significantly influences the pH balance of the soil, determining its acidity or alkalinity based on the type of nitrogen fertilizer employed. The pH value serves as an indicator of a solution's alkalinity or acidity. The increased use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to crops developing resistance, contributing to soil and environmental degradation. Ammonium nitrogen fertilizers, a major contributor to soil erosion, primarily cause soil acidification by affecting the electrical balance in plants, as stated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Australia. Consequently, the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizers poses limitations on market growth.

The urea market is experiencing rapid expansion within the fertilizer market due to its role in controlling air pollution through catalytic reactions. Urea, a water-soluble compound consisting of 46% nitrogen, is easily stored, transported, and handled. It enhances soil productivity and nutrient levels. The International Fertilizers Association (IFA) forecasts a net increase of 17 metric tons in global urea capacity annually, with total production estimated to reach 226 metric tons by 2021. The anticipated rise in urea production augurs well for the nitrogen fertilizer market.

Leading companies in the nitrogen fertilizer sector are adopting a strategic partnership approach to establish a significant market presence, producing and distributing various nitrogen-based fertilizers for agricultural and industrial applications. Strategic partnerships involve one or more business contracts between commercial entities. For example, in June 2022, Yara International ASA, a Norway-based nitrogen fertilizer producer, formed a partnership with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, a Japanese public financial institution. This collaboration focuses on developing and implementing projects aimed at decarbonizing the nitrogen fertilizer industry. The initiatives include the development and production of low-carbon nitrogen fertilizers, as well as projects to enhance the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer production and usage.

In September 2021, Yara Suomi Oy, a Finland-based fertilizer company, acquired Ecolan Oy for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition marks Yara's entry into the organic fertilizer segment, allowing contributions to organic farming and the circular economy. Ecolan Oy, based in Finland, specializes in producing recycled fertilizers, including nitrogen fertilizers.

Major companies operating in the nitrogen fertilizer market report are Koch Industries Inc., BASF SE, Bunge Limited, Dow Chemical Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Nutrien Inc., Potash Corp., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yara International ASA, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Sinofert Holdings Limited, The Mosaic Co., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Sinochem Group Co. Ltd., CF Industries Holdings Inc., Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile, EuroChem Group AG, Israel Chemicals Ltd., OCI NV, UBE Industries Ltd., Shandong Hualu-Hengsheng Chemical Co. Ltd., Uralkali PJSC, Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, TogliattiAzot JSC, CVR Partners LP, Haifa Group Ltd., Terra Nitrogen Company LP, Agrium Inc., Coromandel International Ltd. Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the nitrogen fertilizer market in 2023. North America was the second-largest region in the global nitrogen fertilizer market. The regions covered in the nitrogen fertilizer market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The primary types of nitrogen fertilizers include urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonia, and various other nitrogenous fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate, a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder (NH4NO3), is produced by reacting nitric acid with vaporous ammonia. It is primarily employed in explosives, fertilizers, freezing mixtures, and the production of nitrous oxide. Nitrogen fertilizers are available in liquid, dry, and other forms, and application methods include soil, foliar, fertigation, and others. These fertilizers find applications in cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, fruits and vegetables, as well as other agricultural uses.

The nitrogen fertilizer market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides nitrogen fertilizer market statistics, including nitrogen fertilizer industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a nitrogen fertilizer market share, detailed nitrogen fertilizer market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the nitrogen fertilizer industry. This nitrogen fertilizer market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The countries covered in the nitrogen fertilizer market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The nitrogen fertilizer market consists of the sales of nitrogen fertilizers in forms such as anhydrous ammonia, urea, and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.