Secondary Macronutrients Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Nutrient (Calcium, Magnesium, Others), By Crop Type (Cereals And Grains, Oilseeds And Pulses, Fruits And Vegetables, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Secondary Macronutrients Market, valued at USD 38.20 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 3.73% to reach USD 47.59 Billion by 2030. The Global Secondary Macronutrients Market encompasses essential plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are critical for robust crop development, enhanced yield, and overall plant health. Market growth is primarily driven by escalating global food demand, necessitating intensified agricultural practices that deplete natural soil fertility, alongside increasing farmer awareness regarding the benefits of balanced crop nutrition for improving both crop quality and resilience.

According to the International Fertilizer Association, in 2023, its members produced and distributed over 180 million tonnes of plant nutrients and raw materials, reflecting the broader market activity that includes secondary macronutrients. Further supporting expansion are advancements in precision agriculture technologies enabling targeted nutrient application. However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the growing regulatory scrutiny and environmental concerns related to nutrient runoff and water pollution, which can influence fertilizer application policies and product formulations globally.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing global food demand serves as a primary driver for the secondary macronutrients market, as agricultural systems worldwide strive to enhance yields and meet the nutritional needs of a growing population. Intensive cultivation practices deplete essential soil nutrients, requiring targeted replenishment to maintain productivity. According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2024-2033, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in July 2024, global food consumption is projected to increase by 1.2% annually, directly necessitating greater agricultural output and, consequently, increased fertilizer application. Concurrently, rising awareness of soil nutrient deficiencies is significantly influencing market growth. Farmers and agricultural professionals are increasingly recognizing the critical roles of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur in crop health and productivity beyond primary nutrients. This heightened understanding leads to more precise and balanced fertilization strategies. For example, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, the U. S. fertilizer industry utilized 6,700 thousand metric tons of sulfur, demonstrating a substantial commitment to addressing specific nutrient requirements for optimal crop development.

These two factors underscore the indispensable role of secondary macronutrients in modern agriculture. The continued growth in demand for these essential elements is reflected across the industry. According to the U. S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, published in January 2025, world sulfur production in 2023 was an estimated 85.8 million tons, highlighting the significant volume of this key secondary macronutrient actively contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security worldwide. This market expansion is vital for supporting robust crop development and enhancing overall plant resilience against environmental stressors.

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Key Market Challenges

A significant challenge impeding market expansion for secondary macronutrients is the growing regulatory scrutiny and environmental concerns related to nutrient runoff and water pollution. These concerns directly hamper market growth by imposing stricter fertilizer application policies and influencing product formulations globally. Manufacturers face increased compliance costs and the necessity for product reformulation to align with evolving environmental standards, which can delay market entry for new products and increase operational expenses.

For example, the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy aims for a reduction in nutrient losses by at least 50% and overall fertilizer use by at least 20% by 2030, directly limiting potential market volume. According to Fertilizers Europe, the average consumption of mineral nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in the European Union across the 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24 agricultural campaigns was 12.9 million tonnes of nutrients. Such targets and policies in key agricultural regions reduce the permissible quantities of fertilizers, including secondary macronutrients, thereby restraining market demand and growth. The focus on mitigating nutrient leakage restricts widespread adoption of certain nutrient management practices, impacting sales volumes.

Key Market Trends

The advancements in slow- and controlled-release secondary macronutrient technologies represent a significant market trend by enhancing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. These innovative formulations deliver nutrients over extended periods, aligning with crop uptake patterns and reducing the frequency of application and potential leaching. The fertilizer industry is increasingly committed to sustainable practices and actively exploring new technologies, as highlighted by The Fertilizer Institute's 2023 Industry Trends Survey. This strategic focus drives demand for solutions that improve agricultural sustainability, with companies investing in their capabilities; for example, GreenTechnologies, a producer of slow-release biobased fertilizers, received a USDA Fertilizer Production and Expansion Program Grant in 2023 to support its production upgrades and expansion. Such technological progression provides economic benefits to farmers through reduced input costs and improved crop yields, stimulating market expansion for these specialized products.

The growing demand for bio-based and organic secondary macronutrient solutions is another pivotal trend, reflecting a broader agricultural shift towards environmentally conscious practices and consumer preferences for organic produce. These solutions, derived from natural sources, contribute to soil health and biodiversity, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. The U. S. biobased products industry, a segment that includes such fertilizers, demonstrated substantial economic growth, contributing $489 billion to the U. S. economy in 2021, an increase of 5.1% from the previous year, according to a USDA commissioned report published in March 2024. This market segment is further supported by initiatives like the USDA BioPreferred Program, which certifies products meeting specific biobased content standards. GreenTechnologies, for instance, became one of the first companies to be certified by this program for its biobased products, a development reported by the USDA in March 2024, which helps to build consumer trust and legitimizes the company's commitment to sustainable practices. This increasing adoption underscores a fundamental change in agricultural input selection, favoring sustainable alternatives.

Segmental Insights

The Calcium segment is experiencing rapid growth within the Global Secondary Macronutrients Market, primarily driven by its critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and crop resilience. Calcium is fundamental for robust plant cell wall formation, providing essential structural integrity and improving overall plant health. Furthermore, its application significantly ameliorates soil structure, leading to improved water infiltration and enhanced absorption of other vital nutrients. This increasing demand is also fueled by a growing awareness among agricultural stakeholders regarding widespread soil calcium deficiencies resulting from intensive farming practices and the consequential need to ensure higher quality produce and optimized yields.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Secondary Macronutrients Market. This dominance is primarily attributed to the region's substantial agricultural industry, where intensive farming practices are widespread to meet the increasing food demands of a growing population. Such practices frequently lead to nutrient depletion in the soil, necessitating the augmented use of secondary macronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur to maintain soil health and optimize crop yields. Furthermore, rising awareness among farmers regarding the importance of these essential nutrients for enhancing crop quality and productivity, coupled with supportive government initiatives promoting balanced fertilization and soil testing, significantly drives market expansion across countries within the region.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, SPARTA Biodiscovery, an agribusiness company based in Greece, launched its Functional Crop Nutrition (FCN) solution. This new product provides a comprehensive approach to crop nutrition, incorporating essential macro- and micronutrients. FCN is designed to nourish plants, protect them from diseases and pests, and offer biostimulation to enhance resilience against environmental stressors such as drought and heat. This innovation aimed to optimize crop growth and yield for various agricultural applications.

• In September 2024, Haifa Group introduced its Poly-Feed Stimulus product line, which consists of water-soluble fertilizers enriched with secondary macronutrients and biostimulants. This launch by the Israeli company addresses the global demand for sustainable, climate-resilient fertilizers. The new series supports precision agriculture and underscores Haifa's focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility in modern farming practices. The product aims to enhance nutrient uptake and plant stress tolerance, thereby improving crop yield and quality.

• In June 2024, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, a German company, announced an increase in its magnesium sulfate production at its Werra plant. This expansion was in direct response to the rising demand for magnesium-based fertilizers crucial for enhancing crop yields and maintaining soil fertility. The increased production aimed to strengthen the company's position in the European and North American agricultural markets by providing high-efficiency secondary nutrient solutions. This move highlighted the growing importance of secondary macronutrients in global agriculture.

• In February 2024, ICL, a global minerals and chemicals company, acquired Nitro 1000 for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition was part of ICL’s strategic initiative to enhance its presence in Brazil's biological market. The objective was to bolster its product portfolio and expand specialized plant nutrition offerings for key crops like soybeans, corn, and sugarcane. Nitro 1000, a Brazilian biotechnology firm, specializes in biological products for agriculture, which complement ICL’s focus on nutrient solutions.

Key Market Players

• Nutrien Ltd
• Yara International ASA
• The Mosaic Company
• Israel Chemicals Ltd
• K+S Aktiengesellschaft AG
• Nufarm Ltd
• Southern Petrochemical Industries Corp Ltd
• Koch Industries Inc
• Coromandel International Ltd
• Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd

Report Scope:

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

• Secondary Macronutrients Market, By Nutrient:

o   Calcium

o   Magnesium

o   Others

• Secondary Macronutrients Market, By Crop Type:

o   Cereals And Grains

o   Oilseeds And Pulses

o   Fruits And Vegetables

o   Others

• Secondary Macronutrients 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 Secondary Macronutrients Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Secondary Macronutrients 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).

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