Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Application (Fertilizers, Explosives, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Calcium Ammonium Nitrate market was valued at USD 3.99 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.96 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.70%. Calcium ammonium nitrate, also known as nitro limestone and nitro chalk, is a fertilizer widely used across the globe. It is produced by mixing powdered limestone in ammonium nitrate, resulting in a neutral mixture with the ability to neutralize acidic soil. This essential source of nitrogen for plant growth is quickly absorbed by plant roots during the fruiting stage, making it highly valued by farmers worldwide. Moreover, the presence of calcium not only improves soil health but also ensures long-term benefits. The fertilizer grade of calcium ammonium nitrate typically contains approximately 8% calcium and 21% to 27% nitrogen, making it suitable for enhancing root and soil health. Interestingly, calcium ammonium nitrate serves as a viable alternative in countries where ammonium nitrate is banned. Additionally, due to its hygroscopic nature, it has the ability to retain water molecules even at room temperature, further contributing to its effectiveness.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate in Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry serves as the primary growth engine for the global calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) market, driven by the increasing need for high-efficiency fertilizers, sustainable farming practices, and food security across both developed and emerging economies. The rising importance of CAN as a nitrogen-based fertilizer coupled with its superior agronomic benefits continues to fuel its widespread adoption and market expansion. Asia currently holds the largest share of the global population, demographic projections indicate that Africa is poised for a significant surge in population growth, with its share expected to approach 40% of the global total by the end of the century. The ongoing rise in the global population, especially in Asia and Africa, has placed tremendous pressure on the agriculture sector to increase food production. Farmers are under constant demand to improve crop yields within limited arable land. CAN, known for its rapid nitrogen availability and balanced nutrient composition (including calcium), is increasingly favored to support higher productivity, particularly in nitrogen-depleted soils. This direct link between agricultural output and CAN application is significantly driving market growth. Modern agricultural practices are increasingly moving away from traditional fertilizers like urea due to their one-dimensional nutrient profiles and environmental impact. Calcium ammonium nitrate offers a more balanced nutrient solution, supplying both fast-acting nitrate nitrogen and stabilizing ammonium nitrogen along with calcium. This combination improves nutrient uptake efficiency and promotes robust plant growth, making CAN a preferred choice among progressive farmers and large-scale agribusinesses.

Governments across multiple agricultural economies are promoting the use of advanced fertilizers like CAN through subsidies, training programs, and regulatory reforms. For example, European countries have been encouraging nitrogen fertilizers with lower environmental footprints, while nations like India include CAN under essential Agro-inputs within government-supported procurement schemes. Such initiatives have increased both the accessibility and affordability of CAN, boosting its demand in the agriculture sector. CAN holds several agronomic advantages over traditional nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea or ammonium sulfate. It has low volatilization losses, does not acidify the soil to the same extent, and provides a dual nutrient impact (calcium and nitrogen), leading to improved crop quality and longer shelf life. These characteristics make it suitable for high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops further strengthening its position in agricultural markets.

Growing Demand of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate in Construction Industry

Agriculture remains the dominant application segment for calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), its growing demand in the construction industry has emerged as a key secondary driver for the global CAN market. The material’s utility in civil engineering and mining-related blasting activities, particularly in the production of industrial-grade explosives, positions the construction industry as an increasingly important growth catalyst for the market. One of the primary construction-related applications of calcium ammonium nitrate lies in its use as a component in ammonium nitrate-based explosives, specifically in blasting agents such as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil). In areas where security or regulatory restrictions limit the use of pure ammonium nitrate due to its explosive potential, CAN is used as a safer, more stable alternative. Its compatibility with fuel oil and relatively lower sensitivity makes it an ideal choice for controlled blasting operations in mining, tunneling, road development, and large-scale infrastructure projects. India’s National Highway network has undergone substantial expansion, with the total length increasing by 60% since 2014, reflecting a marked acceleration in infrastructure development. The construction industry is witnessing unprecedented growth due to massive investments in infrastructure across emerging economies. Countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are rapidly expanding their roadways, rail networks, metro systems, tunnels, and mining infrastructure many of which require extensive blasting and excavation. As a result, demand for blasting-grade CAN is accelerating to meet the needs of these projects.

The construction boom is also driving the mining of raw materials such as limestone, sand, and gravel core ingredients for cement and concrete. Blasting operations using CAN-based explosives are integral to extracting these materials efficiently and safely. The growing reliance on CAN for rock fragmentation and quarrying activities directly supports the growth of its market within the construction ecosystem. In many jurisdictions, the handling and transport of ammonium nitrate are tightly regulated due to its high explosive risk. CAN, being less volatile and more stable, serves as a safer alternative that meets both performance and compliance standards. These regulatory shifts have pushed several construction and mining contractors to adopt CAN-based products, thereby fueling demand.

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Key Market Challenges

Growing Preference for Organic Fertilizers

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, known for its hygroscopic properties, is primarily utilized as an inorganic fertilizer. However, the excessive use of such fertilizers can lead to environmental issues such as soil, water, and air pollution due to nutrient leaching and the accumulation of toxic chemicals. In response to these concerns, governments have launched various investments and initiatives to promote the use of organic or biofertilizers. For instance, in March 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture announced plans to invest a substantial amount of US$250 million in promoting the production of sustainable and organic fertilizers nationwide. This initiative aims to support the transition towards environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Additionally, the European Union introduced the Organic Action Plan for the 2021-2030 period as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy in March 2021. This comprehensive plan aims to increase organic farming practices and the usage of organic fertilizers throughout Europe. As these initiatives and investments gain traction, there is a growing challenge for the calcium ammonium nitrate industry. The widespread adoption of organic fertilizers is expected to negatively impact the calcium ammonium nitrate market size during the forecast period. This shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices reflects the increasing global awareness of the importance of environmental conservation and the need to minimize the potential harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on ecosystems. In summary, the calcium ammonium nitrate industry faces challenges in the form of environmental concerns and the rising demand for organic alternatives. The implementation of government initiatives and investments promoting the use of eco-friendly fertilizers is expected to shape the future of the market, driving the transition towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Market Trends

Adoption of Advanced Farming Technologies

Precision agriculture, the cutting-edge approach to farming, involves the strategic use of advanced tools such as global positioning systems (GPS), sensors, and data analytics. These tools empower farmers to monitor and manage agricultural practices with unrivaled precision. By precisely targeting nutrient application, including the optimized use of fertilizers like Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, the waste can be minimized, while crop efficiency is vastly improved.

To further enhance nutrient management, controlled-release fertilizers are specifically designed to gradually release nutrients over an extended period. This remarkable feature allows these fertilizers to align perfectly with the specific needs of crops. As a result, controlled-release fertilizers not only enhance nutrient uptake but also reduce leaching, minimizing the overall environmental impact. In the realm of sustainable nutrient management, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate can be formulated as a controlled-release fertilizer, making it compatible with advanced farming technologies.

Another innovative farming practice is vertical farming, which involves the cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled indoor environments. This technology revolutionizes traditional farming as it maximizes land utilization, optimizes resource consumption, and enables year-round crop production. In vertical farming systems, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate is commonly used to provide essential nutrients to plants grown in these controlled environments, ensuring their healthy growth and development. In addition to vertical farming, hydroponics and aeroponics are soilless cultivation methods that utilize nutrient-rich solutions or mist to deliver essential nutrients directly to plant roots. These state-of-the-art systems are at the forefront of technology-driven agriculture, enabling superior nutrient absorption, faster growth rates, and higher yields. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, with its rich nitrogen and calcium content, is frequently employed in hydroponic and aeroponic setups, ensuring optimal growth and yield of plants.

By integrating advanced tools, adopting innovative practices, and utilizing Calcium Ammonium Nitrate as a key component, modern agriculture is making great strides in achieving sustainable and efficient crop production. These technological advancements are not only transforming the farming landscape but also ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for the agricultural industry.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

Based on the category of application, the fertilizers segment emerged as the fastest growing segment in the global market for Calcium Ammonium Nitrate in 2024. With the global population projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, agricultural output must increase significantly to meet food security targets. This has led to intensified farming practices and a rising need for effective, fast-acting, and balanced fertilizers. CAN, which supplies both nitrogen (in ammonium and nitrate forms) and calcium, fulfills this requirement efficiently making it a highly sought-after fertilizer across major agricultural economies.

CAN is widely recognized for its agronomic efficiency. Unlike traditional urea-based fertilizers, CAN provides immediate nitrogen availability while minimizing losses through leaching or volatilization. Moreover, the presence of calcium enhances plant cell strength, improves fruit quality, and mitigates physiological disorders like blossom end rot. These advantages make CAN a preferred choice for high-value crops, directly boosting its uptake in fertilizer applications. Environmental concerns related to excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea are prompting a shift toward more balanced and eco-friendly alternatives. CAN is considered less acidifying to the soil and contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to its lower nitrous oxide release. This sustainability factor is accelerating its adoption as a fertilizer across both developed and emerging agricultural markets.

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Regional Insights

Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market in the Global Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Market in 2024, holding the largest market share in terms of both value and volume. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic activity in several Asia Pacific countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. With a vast proportion of the population engaged in farming, there is a persistent demand for high-yield fertilizers to support food production. Calcium ammonium nitrate, known for its efficiency in providing readily available nitrogen and calcium to crops, is extensively used in this region to boost productivity, especially in nitrogen-deficient soils.

The Asia Pacific region is home to over 60% of the world’s population. Rapid population growth has placed immense pressure on food security, compelling governments and farmers to enhance agricultural outputs. This demand translates into increased fertilizer usage, particularly balanced fertilizers like CAN that support sustained crop health and soil fertility. Governments in countries such as India and China actively promote the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, including CAN, through subsidy programs and policy interventions. For instance, India’s fertilizer subsidy scheme ensures affordability for farmers, encouraging the continued adoption of high-grade fertilizers to improve yield per hectare. These supportive policies have significantly contributed to market expansion across the region.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, India's total food grain production in 2021 reached 316.06 million tonnes, reflecting a substantial 6.9% increase in production output. The remarkable surge in agriculture output has significantly accelerated the demand for calcium ammonium nitrate for inorganic fertilizer applications. This, in turn, has positively contributed to the growth of the calcium ammonium nitrate industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The continuous support from governments and the increasing need for efficient agricultural practices further drive the expansion of this industry.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Yara International and ATOME PLC have signed a Heads of Terms agreement for the offtake of renewable calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer from ATOME’s upcoming green fertilizer facility in Villeta, Paraguay. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in advancing low-carbon fertilizer solutions, with Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition, set to secure supply from ATOME, a key player in international renewable fertilizer development. The agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to decarbonizing the agricultural supply chain and scaling up the use of sustainable fertilizers in global markets.
• In March 2023, The European Commission has granted unconditional approval under the EU Merger Regulation for the acquisition of Borealis AG’s nitrogen business (Borealis NITRO) by the AGROFERT Group. Following a detailed review, the Commission determined that the transaction does not pose any competition concerns within the European Economic Area (EEA), thereby allowing the deal to proceed without remedial conditions. This approval paves the way for AGROFERT to strengthen its footprint in the European nitrogen fertilizer market without impacting market dynamics or limiting competitive access.

Key Market Players

• Barium & Chemicals, Inc.
• Yara International ASA
• EuroChem Group
• Achema AB
• Origin Fertilizers Limited
• Fertinagro India Pvt. Ltd
• Agrico Canada
• San Corporation
• Helm AG
• Pakarab Fertilizers Limited

Report Scope:

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

• Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Market, By Application:

o   Fertilizers

o   Explosives

o   Others

• Calcium Ammonium Nitrate 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 present in the Global Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Market.

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Company Information

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