Specialty Fertilizers Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 27.02 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.61%
Fastest Growing Segment	Fruits & Vegetables
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 39.67 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Specialty Fertilizers Market will grow from USD 27.02 Billion in 2025 to USD 39.67 Billion by 2031 at a 6.61% CAGR. Specialty fertilizers are advanced nutrient formulations, such as controlled-release, slow-release, and water-soluble products, engineered to optimize nutrient uptake efficiency and minimize environmental loss compared to conventional alternatives. The market is primarily driven by stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing nutrient runoff and the imperative for higher agricultural yields to support global food security. Additionally, the widespread adoption of precision farming and fertigation systems significantly supports demand. According to the International Fertilizer Association, in 2025, the markets for specialty and value-added fertilizers were expanding with growth rates of 5-6%, outpacing traditional products.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the high cost of specialty fertilizers compared to conventional alternatives. This price premium often deters adoption among cost-conscious farmers, particularly in price-sensitive developing regions where upfront input affordability is critical. Consequently, economic constraints remain a primary hurdle to the universal scalability and mass penetration of these efficient agricultural solutions.

Key Market Drivers

Stringent environmental regulations promoting sustainable farming practices act as a primary catalyst for the global specialty fertilizers market. Governments worldwide, particularly in the European Union, are enforcing stricter limits on nutrient runoff to mitigate water pollution, compelling the adoption of controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers. These advanced formulations allow for precise nutrient release, ensuring compliance with legislative mandates while maintaining soil health. This regulatory pressure has translated into tangible operational growth for key industry players operating in regulated zones. For instance, according to K+S AG, March 2025, in the '2024 Annual Report', sales volumes in the European segment, which heavily integrates specialty fertilizer portfolios, increased to 3.45 million tonnes in 2024 from 2.97 million tonnes the previous year.

Simultaneously, the growing need for enhanced nutrient use efficiency and crop yields is accelerating market expansion. As arable land availability declines, farmers are increasingly reliant on high-efficiency inputs to maximize output per hectare and ensure food security for a growing population. Specialty fertilizers directly address this requirement by delivering targeted nutrition that reduces waste and boosts productivity in high-value crops. This trend is evident in recent financial performances; according to ICL Group, August 2025, in the 'Q2 2025 Financial Results', sales from the specialties-driven business segment increased by 8% year-over-year. Further highlighting the robust demand for efficient nutrient solutions in key agricultural regions, according to Coromandel International, January 2025, revenue for the nutrient and allied business segment grew by 30% in the quarter ended December 2024.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost of specialty fertilizers compared to conventional alternatives constitutes a formidable economic barrier restricting broader market growth. These advanced formulations require complex manufacturing processes and high-purity raw materials, resulting in a significant price premium that many agricultural producers cannot justify. In price-sensitive developing regions, farmers operating on tight financial margins often prioritize immediate input affordability over long-term efficiency gains, rejecting these solutions in favor of cheaper bulk options like urea. Consequently, adoption remains largely confined to high-value cash crops, preventing expansion into the mass market for staple food commodities where input costs are strictly scrutinized.

This pricing pressure is further exacerbated by emerging competition for high-grade ingredients from non-agricultural sectors. According to the International Fertilizer Association, in 2025, global phosphorous demand for batteries was projected to grow at a CAGR of 22% in the medium-term, potentially consuming available technical monoammonium phosphate capacity. This intensifying demand from the electric vehicle industry for high-purity inputs creates supply constraints and sustains elevated prices for key water-soluble fertilizers. Such market dynamics widen the price gap between specialty and traditional products, effectively limiting the universal scalability of these nutrient solutions.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of nanotechnology-based fertilizers is reshaping the market by utilizing nano-scale particles to drastically enhance nutrient absorption efficiency and reduce application rates. This technology mitigates the environmental footprint associated with bulk chemical inputs by ensuring targeted delivery to plant tissues, effectively addressing soil fixation issues. The rapid commercial acceptance of these advanced solutions is evident in major agricultural regions where producers are prioritizing input reduction. For instance, according to IFFCO, May 2025, in the 'Stellar Performance in FY 2024-25' press release, sales of nano-fertilizers surged by 47% year-on-year, with liquid Nano DAP specifically recording a 118% volume increase as farmers increasingly replaced conventional granular options.

Simultaneously, there is a significant shift toward the incorporation of bio-stimulants into synthetic blends, creating integrated products that boost crop resilience against abiotic stress. Manufacturers are moving beyond traditional NPK formulations by adding biological components that improve root health and nutrient uptake efficiency, catering to the growing demand for holistic crop nutrition. This trend is driving substantial revenue growth for companies diversifying into biological additives. According to The Mosaic Company, November 2025, in the 'Third Quarter 2025 Results', sales for the Mosaic Biosciences segment more than doubled in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting the surging adoption of these hybrid solutions.

Segmental Insights

The Fruits and Vegetables segment represents the fastest-growing application area in the Global Specialty Fertilizers Market, driven primarily by the high return on investment associated with high-value horticultural crops. Farmers increasingly utilize customized nutrient solutions to improve physical characteristics such as size, color, and shelf life, which are essential for meeting stringent international export standards. Furthermore, the rising adoption of protected cultivation and fertigation systems necessitates high-purity, water-soluble fertilizers to ensure precise nutrient uptake. This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward maximizing agricultural output while minimizing environmental impact through efficient resource management.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the Global Specialty Fertilizers Market due to the widespread adoption of precision farming and modern agricultural practices. The region prioritizes efficient nutrient management to maximize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, stringent guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding nutrient runoff and water safety drive the demand for enhanced efficiency fertilizers, such as controlled-release and liquid variants. This regulatory environment compels growers to utilize products that ensure precise nutrient delivery. Consequently, the combination of regulatory compliance and established farming infrastructure secures North America’s dominance in the global market.

Recent Developments

In December 2024, Hello Nature announced the opening of a new bionutrients facility in Wabash, Indiana, to serve the North American market. The $50 million plant, established as a joint venture with MPS Egg Farms, is designed to produce 150,000 tons of organic fertilizers and other biosolutions annually. Utilizing proprietary technology, the facility processes chicken manure into sustainable specialty fertilizers, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural inputs. This expansion complements the company's existing biostimulant production and research hubs in the region, aiming to provide farmers with consistent, high-quality solutions to improve soil fertility and crop yields.
In August 2024, ICL Group signed a significant five-year agreement valued at approximately $170 million with AMP Holdings Group Co. Ltd., a leading agricultural distributor in China. This strategic collaboration focuses on the supply of specialty water-soluble fertilizers specifically tailored for drip irrigation systems used in high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables. The deal aligns with the company's strategy to expand its "Growing Solutions" portfolio in key global markets. It addresses the rising regional demand for efficient fertigation products driven by the modernization of agricultural practices and the need for water conservation.
In June 2024, Nutrien Ag Solutions completed the acquisition of a portfolio of biocontrol assets from Suncor Energy’s AgroScience division to enhance its specialty product offerings. The transaction included patented chlorin-based photosensitizer technologies designed to offer a novel mode of action for integrated pest management. These proprietary biocontrol tools are expected to launch in select global markets by 2025, providing growers with effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional synthetic chemistries. This move underscores the company’s commitment to investing in innovative, high-margin agricultural technologies that support resistance management and improve overall sustainability in crop production.
In April 2024, Haifa Group entered into a strategic collaboration with Mahadhan Agritech Limited, a subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited. This partnership aims to promote the adoption of high-performance specialty fertilizers and precision plant nutrition solutions among farmers in India. By leveraging the Israeli company's global expertise in water-soluble fertilizers and nutrigation, the alliance seeks to enhance crop productivity and quality while improving resource use efficiency. The cooperation also focuses on knowledge transfer and the implementation of advanced agricultural practices to support the modernization and sustainability of the Indian agricultural sector.

Key Market Players

Nutrien, Ltd.
Yara International ASA
Israel Chemical Ltd.
K+S Aktiengesellschaft
The Mosaic Company
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
EuroChem Group
Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.
Coromandel International Ltd.
Plant Food Company, Inc.

By Crop Type	By Form	By Mode of Application	By Technology	By Region
Cereals & Grains Oilseeds & Pulses Fruits & Vegetables Turf & Ornamentals Others	Dry Liquid	Foliar Fertigation Soil	Slow-Release N-Stabilizers Coated & Encapsulated Chelated Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

Specialty Fertilizers Market, By Crop Type:

Cereals & Grains
Oilseeds & Pulses
Fruits & Vegetables
Turf & Ornamentals
Others

Specialty Fertilizers Market, By Form:

Dry
Liquid

Specialty Fertilizers Market, By Mode of Application:

Foliar
Fertigation
Soil

Specialty Fertilizers Market, By Technology:

Slow-Release
N-Stabilizers
Coated & Encapsulated
Chelated
Others

Specialty Fertilizers 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 Specialty Fertilizers Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Specialty Fertilizers 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 Specialty Fertilizers 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]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, Turf & Ornamentals, Others)

5.2.2. By Form (Dry, Liquid)

5.2.3. By Mode of Application (Foliar, Fertigation, Soil)

5.2.4. By Technology (Slow-Release, N-Stabilizers, Coated & Encapsulated, Chelated, Others)

5.2.5. By Region

5.2.6. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Crop Type

6.2.2. By Form

6.2.3. By Mode of Application

6.2.4. By Technology

6.2.5. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Crop Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Form

6.3.1.2.3. By Mode of Application

6.3.1.2.4. By Technology

6.3.2. Canada Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Crop Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Form

6.3.2.2.3. By Mode of Application

6.3.2.2.4. By Technology

6.3.3. Mexico Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Crop Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Form

6.3.3.2.3. By Mode of Application

6.3.3.2.4. By Technology

7. Europe Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Crop Type

7.2.2. By Form

7.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.2.4. By Technology

7.2.5. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Crop Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Form

7.3.1.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.3.1.2.4. By Technology

7.3.2. France Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Crop Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Form

7.3.2.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.3.2.2.4. By Technology

7.3.3. United Kingdom Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Crop Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Form

7.3.3.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.3.3.2.4. By Technology

7.3.4. Italy Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Crop Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Form

7.3.4.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.3.4.2.4. By Technology

7.3.5. Spain Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Crop Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Form

7.3.5.2.3. By Mode of Application

7.3.5.2.4. By Technology

8. Asia Pacific Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Crop Type

8.2.2. By Form

8.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.2.4. By Technology

8.2.5. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Crop Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Form

8.3.1.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.3.1.2.4. By Technology

8.3.2. India Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Crop Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Form

8.3.2.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.3.2.2.4. By Technology

8.3.3. Japan Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Crop Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Form

8.3.3.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.3.3.2.4. By Technology

8.3.4. South Korea Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Crop Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Form

8.3.4.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.3.4.2.4. By Technology

8.3.5. Australia Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Crop Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Form

8.3.5.2.3. By Mode of Application

8.3.5.2.4. By Technology

9. Middle East & Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Crop Type

9.2.2. By Form

9.2.3. By Mode of Application

9.2.4. By Technology

9.2.5. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Crop Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Form

9.3.1.2.3. By Mode of Application

9.3.1.2.4. By Technology

9.3.2. UAE Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Crop Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Form

9.3.2.2.3. By Mode of Application

9.3.2.2.4. By Technology

9.3.3. South Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Crop Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Form

9.3.3.2.3. By Mode of Application

9.3.3.2.4. By Technology

10. South America Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Crop Type

10.2.2. By Form

10.2.3. By Mode of Application

10.2.4. By Technology

10.2.5. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Crop Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Form

10.3.1.2.3. By Mode of Application

10.3.1.2.4. By Technology

10.3.2. Colombia Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Crop Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Form

10.3.2.2.3. By Mode of Application

10.3.2.2.4. By Technology

10.3.3. Argentina Specialty Fertilizers Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Crop Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Form

10.3.3.2.3. By Mode of Application

10.3.3.2.4. By Technology

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Specialty Fertilizers Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Nutrien, Ltd.

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Yara International ASA

15.3. Israel Chemical Ltd.

15.4. K+S Aktiengesellschaft

15.5. The Mosaic Company

15.6. CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

15.7. EuroChem Group

15.8. Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.

15.9. Coromandel International Ltd.

15.10. Plant Food Company, Inc.

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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