Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market was valued at USD 3.25 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.12 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.05%. Single superphosphate (SSP) was the first commercial mineral fertilizer, revolutionizing the plant nutrient industry. Comprised of two compounds, monocalcium phosphate (MCP) or calcium dihydrogen phosphate and gypsum, SSP offers a vital solution for enhancing crop yield.

With a P2O5 concentration ranging from 15% to 22%, this fertilizer product also boasts a high water-soluble chemical composition, enriched with essential nutrients like sulfur (10%-12% sulfur in the form of sulfate) and calcium. By effectively treating sulfur deficiency in soil, SSP ensures optimal plant growth and development, particularly when applied before crop propagation. Its early-stage phosphorus supply strengthens the foundation for robust and healthy plant growth, resulting in improved agricultural productivity.

Single superphosphate, a widely used fertilizer, contains essential micronutrients such as Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron, and Molybdenum. Not only is SSP cost-effective, but it is also highly favored by small and minor farmers due to its affordability. As the world's population continues to grow rapidly, there is an increasing demand for food production. To meet this demand, there is a need to improve crop yield and enhance production. In this context, SSP emerges as a better option, as it is nutrient-rich and can be combined with various other fertilizer products, excluding urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP). Moreover, SSP has a longer storage duration compared to other fertilizers, which adds to its appeal.

The global single superphosphate market faces stiff competition from alternative fertilizers, particularly high-analysis Potassium fertilizers like ammonium phosphates and DAP, which offer higher concentrations of potassium and nitrogen. This poses challenges for the single superphosphate market in the coming years. Nonetheless, considering its nutrient content and cost-effectiveness, SSP is expected to maintain its demand and play a vital role in meeting the growing global food demand.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Single Superphosphate (SSP) in Agricultural Applications

The growing demand for Single Superphosphate (SSP) in agricultural applications serves as a primary growth engine for the global SSP market. As the agriculture sector faces rising pressure to increase productivity on shrinking arable land, SSP is increasingly recognized as a cost-effective and nutrient-rich solution for improving crop yield and soil health. This escalating demand is underpinned by a combination of agronomic, economic, and policy-driven factors.

SSP is one of the most economical sources of phosphorus (P₂O₅) an essential macronutrient required for early plant development, root formation, and crop maturation. Additionally, it supplies sulfur and calcium, which are vital secondary nutrients for plant growth, especially in sulfur-deficient soils common in several developing regions. Its affordability compared to complex phosphatic fertilizers such as DAP makes SSP particularly attractive to small and marginal farmers, who form the majority of the agricultural workforce in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Intensive farming and the overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers have led to nutrient imbalances in agricultural soils. This has triggered a global shift toward balanced fertilization practices, where SSP plays a key role. The product’s dual benefit of phosphorus and sulfur promotes healthy crop development and helps correct nutrient deficiencies, especially for crops like oilseeds, pulses, cereals, and sugarcane. Increasing awareness campaigns by governments and agri-input companies have accelerated SSP adoption as part of integrated nutrient management strategies.

The global cultivation of sulfur-responsive crops, including rapeseed, soybean, cotton, and maize, has expanded due to both domestic food security concerns and export market opportunities. SSP is particularly effective for these crops due to its sulfur content. As a result, demand for SSP in agricultural applications is growing steadily, especially in emerging markets where such crops are cultivated on a large scale. Governments in key agricultural economies have introduced fertilizer subsidy programs and soil health initiatives that promote the use of SSP. In India, for instance, SSP is included under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, making it more affordable for farmers and encouraging widespread adoption. Additionally, strategic agreements between fertilizer companies and state governments to distribute SSP in rural markets have further enhanced product penetration in agricultural applications.

Key Market Challenges

Depletion of Phosphate Reserves

Phosphate rock, a finite resource, and the primary source of phosphorus for SSP production, presents a pressing challenge. The majority of the world's phosphate reserves are concentrated in a few countries, namely Morocco, China, and the United States. The limited and non-renewable nature of these reserves raises concerns about future phosphate supply for SSP production.

The depletion of phosphate reserves not only poses risks of price volatility but also creates uncertainties in the global SSP market. As supply becomes constrained, the cost of raw materials required for SSP production may surge, resulting in higher prices for the end product. This volatility significantly impacts farmers, distributors, and consumers, making it increasingly challenging to plan and budget for fertilizer needs.

In light of the decreasing availability of high-grade phosphate rock, there is an urgent need to explore alternative phosphorus sources. This exploration includes the development of innovative technologies for extracting phosphorus from non-traditional sources such as sewage, animal manure, and agricultural waste. However, it is important to note that these alternative sources often require additional processing and may have limitations in terms of availability and cost-effectiveness, necessitating further research and development efforts.

Key Market Trends

Growing Focus on Nutrient-Balanced Formulations

Nutrient-balanced formulations play a critical role in providing plants with a comprehensive mix of essential nutrients, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium (NPK), along with other vital micronutrients. This balance is vital for supporting various stages of plant development, from root establishment to flowering and fruiting. By ensuring that plants receive all the necessary nutrients in appropriate ratios, nutrient-balanced formulations promote healthy growth, increased crop yields, and improved quality.

Balanced formulations help optimize nutrient utilization by reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. When nutrients are present in the right proportions, plants can efficiently absorb and utilize them, minimizing wastage and environmental pollution. This sustainable approach to nutrient management not only benefits farmers but also contributes to the overall efficiency of single superphosphate and other fertilizers. In addition to enhancing plant growth and productivity, nutrient-balanced formulations also play a vital role in maintaining soil health and fertility. Continuous cultivation and imbalanced nutrient application can lead to nutrient depletion and soil degradation over time.

By utilizing formulations that address specific soil deficiencies and provide balanced nutrition, farmers can replenish soil nutrients, improve soil structure, and support long-term agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, nutrient-balanced formulations allow for crop-specific nutrient management. Different crops have varying nutrient requirements at different growth stages. By using tailored formulations, farmers can address the specific nutrient needs of each crop, promoting healthy growth, disease resistance, and higher yields.

This approach not only enhances overall crop productivity and profitability but also drives the adoption of nutrient balanced SSP formulations, further advancing sustainable agriculture practices. With their ability to provide comprehensive and targeted nutrition, nutrient-balanced formulations are a crucial tool for farmers in optimizing plant health, soil fertility, and overall agricultural sustainability. By ensuring the right balance of nutrients, these formulations contribute to the success and profitability of farming operations while minimizing environmental impact.

Key Market Players

• The Mosaic Company
• Coromandel International Limited
• Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals
• Madhya Bharat Agro Products Limited
• PCC Group
• Jubilant Industries Ltd
• Aarti Industries Ltd
• Yara International ASA
• Agrium Inc
• ICL Group Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market, By Type:

• Zincated
• Boronated

Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market, By Application:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Animal Feed
• Others

Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Single Superphosphate (SSP) Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).