Agriculture Chelates Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, & Forecast, Segmented By Type (Synthetic, Organic), By Crop Type (Grains & Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds, Commercial Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Others), By Application (Soil, Foliar, Fertigation, Others), By Region, Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Agriculture Chelates Market will grow from USD 912.55 Million in 2024 to USD 1349.65 Million by 2030 at a 6.74% CAGR. Agriculture chelates are organic compounds that bind to metal ions, such as iron, zinc, copper, or manganese, making these micronutrients more soluble and available for plant uptake, particularly in diverse soil conditions. The market's expansion is fundamentally driven by the escalating demand for enhanced crop yields and quality amidst diminishing arable land globally, along with increasing awareness of widespread soil micronutrient deficiencies. The imperative for sustainable agricultural practices and the growing adoption of precision farming techniques further propel demand for these efficient nutrient delivery solutions. According to the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) "Medium-Term Fertilizer Outlook 2024-2028", global fertilizer consumption in terms of nutrients is projected to increase by 8 percent between 2024 and 2028, highlighting the broader context of agricultural input demand which chelates serve by optimizing nutrient efficiency.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the higher production cost of chelated products compared to conventional fertilizers, potentially limiting adoption among price-sensitive farmers, particularly in developing regions. Despite these cost considerations, the increasing pressure for global food security necessitates innovative solutions for efficient crop nutrition.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing global demand for high-value and nutrient-rich crops stands as a primary catalyst for the agriculture chelates market. As agricultural practices intensify to meet the nutritional needs of a growing world population, there is a heightened focus on maximizing crop quality and yield per unit of land. Chelates play a crucial role by enhancing the bioavailability of essential micronutrients, which are vital for plant metabolic functions, leading to improved crop health, better harvest quality, and increased market value. For instance, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in November 2025, the organization projected a record global cereal production of 2.99 billion metric tons in 2025, representing a 4.4% increase from 2024, underscoring the continuous pressure on farmers to deliver higher volumes and quality. This persistent drive for agricultural productivity directly translates into greater adoption of advanced nutrient management solutions.

A second significant driver is the critical need to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies in soil across agricultural landscapes worldwide. Decades of intensive farming have depleted soils of vital trace elements, which compromises crop growth and overall food nutritional value. Chelated micronutrients offer an effective solution by preventing nutrient fixation in the soil and facilitating efficient uptake by plants, even in challenging soil conditions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in December 2024, at global celebrations marking World Soil Day, the organization highlighted that providing more data and information on soils could potentially improve crop nutrient efficiency by 30 percent worldwide. This emphasizes the substantial potential for enhancing nutrient utilization through informed practices. Overall, according to the International Fertilizer Association, in its Short-Term Fertilizer Outlook 2024-2025, global fertilizer use in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is forecast to total 205 million metric tons of nutrients in FY 2025.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The higher production cost associated with agriculture chelates, in comparison to conventional fertilizers, presents a notable impediment to market expansion. This cost disparity directly impacts farmer adoption rates, particularly among price-sensitive agricultural producers in developing regions. Despite the recognized benefits of chelates in optimizing nutrient uptake and improving crop quality, their premium pricing can render them economically unfeasible for a significant segment of the farming community.

This cost barrier compels many farmers to continue relying on traditional, less efficient nutrient sources, thereby limiting the market penetration of chelated products. The broader context of rising input costs exacerbates this challenge. According to Market Intel by the American Farm Bureau Federation, in late 2025, fertilizer costs were trending above previous year's levels and were expected to remain elevated into 2026, with global spot values for potash, for instance, hovering around $350 to $360 per metric ton, representing approximately a 21% increase over 2024 prices. Such upward price trends for general fertilizers make the adoption of even higher-cost specialized products like chelates a more difficult financial decision for many agricultural operations.

Key Market Trends

The global agriculture chelates market is significantly influenced by the growing preference for bio-based and biodegradable chelates. This trend is driven by increasing environmental consciousness, stringent regulations concerning chemical residues, and rising consumer demand for sustainably produced crops. Bio-based and biodegradable chelates offer a more environmentally benign alternative to traditional synthetic chelates by minimizing persistent organic pollutants and enhancing soil health. The imperative for sustainable nutrient management is underscored by the inefficiency of conventional methods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in May 2025, less than 50% of the nitrogen applied to crops was absorbed by plants, highlighting significant nutrient loss and environmental impact. Bio-based chelates address this by improving nutrient bioavailability and reducing waste. This shift is further evidenced by industry developments; according to Nouryon, in January 2025, the company achieved ISCC PLUS certification at its green chelates manufacturing site in Herkenbosch, Netherlands, enabling the production of biodegradable chelates with up to 100% renewable carbon index.

Another significant trend is the increasing adoption of chelates in precision agriculture and fertigation systems. These advanced farming techniques leverage technology to deliver nutrients precisely where and when crops need them, optimizing uptake and minimizing environmental impact. Chelates are particularly well-suited for these systems due to their solubility and stability, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery through irrigation lines and targeted application methods. This integration leads to enhanced nutrient use efficiency and improved crop yields. A clear commitment to advancing such practices was observed at the 2024 Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, where commitments were made to provide location-specific agronomic recommendations to a majority of smallholder farmers by 2034. Furthermore, the efficacy of integrating advanced fertilizers with precision techniques is evident. According to Green Gubre Group, in November 2025, controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) were noted to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by up to 40% when integrated into precision fertilization strategies.

Segmental Insights

In the global agriculture chelates market, the Grains & Cereals segment is experiencing rapid expansion due to its crucial role in global food security and the increasing demand for enhanced crop productivity. Farmers cultivating these staple crops increasingly adopt chelated micronutrients to counteract widespread soil nutrient deficiencies, particularly in alkaline soils, which hinder essential nutrient uptake. Chelates significantly improve the availability and absorption of vital micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese, preventing deficiencies that can severely impact crop health and yield. This leads to robust plant growth, improved root development, and better grain quality, directly supporting efforts by agricultural bodies to maximize output from limited arable land and ensure a consistent food supply.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads the global agriculture chelates market, primarily driven by its substantial and growing population, which intensifies the demand for increased agricultural productivity and high-quality food. The region's extensive agricultural land, particularly in nations like China and India, frequently experiences significant micronutrient deficiencies in soils, necessitating the application of chelates to enhance crop health and yield. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of modern farming practices, alongside supportive government initiatives and awareness campaigns for balanced plant nutrition, significantly contributes to the escalating demand for agricultural chelates across the region. These combined factors solidify Asia Pacific's prominent position in the market.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Nouryon inaugurated a new innovation center in Shanghai, China, to bolster its research, application, and customer collaboration efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. This facility was established to accelerate the development of sustainable and market-specific solutions for various industries, including agriculture. The center is set to focus on environmentally responsible technologies, such as biobased chelates, among its other sustainable innovation goals. This expansion highlights Nouryon's commitment to enhancing local research and development responsiveness.

• In September 2025, Shijiazhuang Han Hao Trade Co., Ltd. introduced its EDDHA Fe 6% Organic Chelated Iron Fertilizer. This product was presented as a significant development in agricultural solutions, specifically created to tackle iron deficiency in plants. The company emphasized that this fertilizer combines advanced chelation technology with organic principles, aiming for optimal outcomes for agricultural professionals. Its EDDHA chelate ensures iron remains stable and accessible to plants even across a broad pH range of 3 to 10, outperforming other chelates in high-pH environments.

• In August 2024, CHS Inc. launched Trivar® EZ, a new granular micronutrient fertilizer blend. This product features the company's patented Levesol® chelating agent, which was designed to improve the availability of micronutrients to crops. Trivar EZ represents the industry's first granular ortho-ortho EDDHA chelated granular micronutrient blend, offering growers a more plant-available fertility solution. The advanced chelate in Trivar EZ works to prevent phosphorus from bonding with soil micronutrients, thereby releasing more nutrients for plant access and optimizing crop nutrient investment.

• In July 2024, Hello Nature announced the European REACH registration for its Iron Biochelate™. This achievement marked a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture, introducing a new concept of green chelation developed through BIOCHELATION™ technology. The 100% natural and biodegradable solution was designed as an alternative to synthetic chelates, addressing environmental concerns. Iron Biochelate™ is free from microplastics and heavy metal contamination, while its vegetal peptides provide both nutritional and biostimulant benefits for healthier crops and soils. This innovation aims to enhance the chelated micronutrient sector.

Key Market Players

• Yara International ASA
• Nouryon Chemical Holdings B.V
• BASF SE
• Shandong Iro Chelating Chemical Co. Ltd
• Haifa Group
• Ava Chemicals Private Limited
• Protex International SA
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• Deretil SA
• Innospec Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Agriculture Chelates Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Agriculture Chelates Market, By Type:

o   Synthetic

o   Organic

• Agriculture Chelates Market, By Crop Type:

o   Grains & Cereals

o   Pulses & Oilseeds

o   Commercial Crops

o   Fruits and Vegetables

o   Others

• Agriculture Chelates Market, By Application:

o   Soil

o   Foliar

o   Fertigation

o   Others

• Agriculture Chelates Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Agriculture Chelates Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Agriculture Chelates Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research 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).

Global Agriculture Chelates Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]