Sulfur Fertilizers Market

Market Definition

The market refers to the global industry involved in the manufacturing and supply of sulfur-containing nutrients that improve soil fertility and promote healthy crop development. These fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing plant protein synthesis and chlorophyll formation, supporting overall agricultural efficiency across a wide range of crops including cereals, oilseeds, and legumes.

The report outlines the primary drivers of market growth, along with an in-depth analysis of emerging trends and evolving regulatory frameworks shaping the industry's trajectory.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Overview

The global sulfur fertilizers market size was valued at USD 5092.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 5241.8 million in 2024 to USD 6610.2 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.37% during the forecast period. 

The market is driven by the rising global food demand, the shift toward sustainable agriculture, and increased adoption of high-efficiency, eco-friendly fertilizer products that enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and align with evolving environmental and regulatory standards.

Major companies operating in the sulfur fertilizers industry are Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc., Yara, The Mosaic Company, ICL, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, EuroChem Group, Koch Fertilizer, LLC., Coromandel International Limited, Shell group of companies, SML Limited, AB “Achema”, The Mosaic Company, MITSUI & CO., LTD., Compass Minerals, OMEX

The market is driven by the increasing global demand for food production due to population growth. As the world’s population continues to rise, the need for higher agricultural yields and efficient farming practices becomes more crucial. 

Sulfur fertilizers play a key role in enhancing soil fertility, improving crop quality, and boosting productivity. This growing demand for food, coupled with the need to maximize land use and improve crop resilience, drives the adoption of sulfur fertilizers, thereby driving the growth of the market.

• In July 2024, the United Nations projected that the global population will continue to grow over the next five to six decades, reaching an estimated peak of 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s.

Key Highlights:

1. The sulfur fertilizers market size was recorded at USD 5092.2 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.37% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a market share of 40.12% in 2023, with a valuation of USD 2043.0 million.
4. The ammonium sulfate segment garnered USD 1772.1 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The cereals & grains segment is expected to reach USD 2839.3 million by 2031.
6. The fertigation segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.33% during the forecast period.
7. The powder segment is forecasted to have a market share of 75.33% in 2031.
8. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.11% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Growing need for sustainable and efficient fertilizers

The market is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for high-efficiency fertilizers to support sustainable agriculture. As agricultural practices evolve to prioritize environmental sustainability, there is a growing need for fertilizers that maximize nutrient efficiency, minimize waste, and reduce environmental impact. 

High-efficiency sulfur fertilizers enable farmers to optimize crop yields while adhering to sustainability standards.This growing reliance on efficient sulfur-based solutions reflects the industry's broader shift toward environmentally responsible farming methods that ensure long-term soil health and agricultural productivity. . 

• For instance, in December 2023, Sulvaris developed Micronized Sulfur Technology (MST) to enhance global food security by addressing rising sulfur deficiencies in soils. MST enables faster sulfur oxidation and sustained sulfate release, ensuring crops' sulfur needs are met throughout the season while minimizing leaching and improving seed safety compared to traditional sulfate-based fertilizers.

Market Challenge

High production costs due to fluctuating sulfur prices

Fluctuating sulfur prices and high production costs present a major challenge to the sulfur fertilizers market. Price volatility, influenced by global supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors, impacts the overall cost structure for manufacturers. 

To overcome this challenge, companies can adopt strategies such as securing long-term contracts with suppliers, diversifying sourcing options, and exploring alternative sulfur production methods. 

Investing in research to improve sulfur efficiency in fertilizers can also reduce the amount of sulfur required per unit, thereby mitigating the impact of price fluctuations. Additionally, adopting advanced supply chain management practices can help buffer against price volatility, ensuring cost stability.

Market Trend

Shift towards eco-friendly and low-impact sulfur fertilizers

The market is witnessing a prominent shift towards eco-friendly and low-impact products as sustainability becomes a top priority in agriculture. Manufacturers are focusing on developing fertilizers that enhance soil health and crop yield while minimizing negative environmental effects. 

These products are designed to reduce nutrient runoff, improve soil fertility, and lower carbon emissions. The growing demand for sustainable fertilizers aligns with global environmental regulations and the agricultural industry’s transition toward more efficient and environmentally responsible farming practices.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Fertilizer Type	Ammonium Sulfate (AS), Single Superphosphate (SSP), Sulfate of Potash (SOP), Elemental Sulfur, Others
By Crop Type	Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, Others
By Application Method	Soil Application, Foliar Spray, Fertigation
By Form	Powder, Liquid
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation:

• By Fertilizer Type (Ammonium Sulfate (AS), Single Superphosphate (SSP), Sulfate of Potash (SOP), Elemental Sulfur, and Others): The ammonium sulfate segment earned USD 1772.1 million in 2023 due to its widespread use as an effective and cost-efficient sulfur source in high-demand crop applications, particularly in nutrient-deficient soils.
• By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others): The cereals & grains segment held 44.09% of the market in 2023, due to the high demand for sulfur fertilizers in enhancing soil fertility and promoting yield efficiency in staple crops, which are critical for global food security.
• By Application Method (Soil Application, Foliar Spray, Fertigation): The soil application segment is projected to reach USD 4217.2 million by 2031, owing to its effectiveness in directly enriching soil with nutrients, ensuring sustained crop growth and improving overall yield in large-scale agricultural operations.
• By Form (Powder, Liquid): The powder segment held 75.66% market in 2031, due to its ease of storage, longer shelf life, and cost-effective application in large-scale agricultural operations.

Sulfur Fertilizers Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America sulfur fertilizers market share stood around 40.12% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 2043.0 million. North America is the dominating region in the market due to strong government support for domestic fertilizer production, aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience and reducing input costs. 

Moreover, the region benefits from advanced agricultural infrastructure, widespread adoption of modern farming practices, and a well-established regulatory framework. Additionally, rising demand for high-efficiency fertilizers to support sustainable farming is driving innovation and investment in fertilizer technologies. 

• In December 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture announced over USD 116 million in investments under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to boost domestic fertilizer production across nine states. The facilities supported under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) typically include manufacturing plants, blending units, storage infrastructure, and distribution centers involved in fertilizer production and supply. These upgrades aim to improve domestic fertilizer capacity, streamline operations, and ensure a more competitive and resilient supply chain.

Asia Pacific is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 4.11% over the forecast period. The sulfur fertilizers industry in Asia Pacific is driven by several key factors. Governments in this region are increasingly promoting sustainable agriculture through supportive policies and strategic initiatives that focus on improving soil health and crop yields. 

These measures aim to reduce input costs for farmers while encouraging the use of advanced, nutrient-balanced fertilizer solutions. Rising food demand, expanding agricultural activities, and the shift toward efficient nutrient management are collectively fueling the adoption of sulfur-enriched fertilizers. These factors are driving the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. 

• In June 2023, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved a USD 44.34 billion package aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the well-being of farmers.As part of this initiative, Sulfur Coated Urea (Urea Gold) was introduced to address soil sulfur deficiency, reduce input costs, and improve productivity offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to neem-coated urea for Indian farmers.

 Regulatory Framework

• In the U.S., the market is regulated by both federal and state agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees fertilizer manufacturing standards, while the Department of Agriculture (USDA) governs the importation of fertilizers to ensure compliance.
• In India, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with its associated bodies such as the Department of Fertilizers, regulates the market. In addition, the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) regulates various aspects of the industry, including sulfur-based products.
• In Europe, the sulfur fertilizer market is governed by the European Union’s Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR), which provides guidelines for the marketing and placement of fertilizing products, including sulfur-based fertilizers, within the EU.

Competitive Landscape

The global sulfur fertilizers market is characterized by a large number of participants, including both established corporations and rising organizations. Key players are leveraging various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, to strengthen their position in the market and expand their product portfolios. 

Additionally, new product launches play a pivotal role in meeting evolving customer demands. These efforts contribute to the advancement of innovative and sustainable fertilizer options that address both market growth and the rising demand for environmentally conscious agricultural practices.

• In November 2023, EuroChem-BMU successfully completed pilot trials for producing mineral Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur (NPS) fertilizers containing elemental sulfur. The first 4-kiloton batch is set to be distributed within Russia. These NPS fertilizers consist of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur, and they are designed to optimize nutrient absorption, enhance crop development cycles, and boost yields, particularly in soils lacking sulfur, while minimizing the need for reapplication.

List of Key Companies in Sulfur Fertilizers Market:

• Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc.
• Yara
• The Mosaic Company
• ICL
• K+S Aktiengesellschaft
• EuroChem Group
• Koch Fertilizer, LLC.
• Coromandel International Limited
• Shell group of companies
• SML Limited
• AB “Achema”
• The Mosaic Company
• MITSUI & CO., LTD.
• Compass Minerals
• OMEX

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Coromandel International Limited commissioned its second sulfur manufacturing plant at its Visakhapatnam facility in India. This strategic expansion dobles it production capabilities, strengthens its specialty nutrients portfolio, and ensures consistent supply of high-quality bentonite Sulphur.
• In January 2023, Unigel has partnered with Elessent Clean Technologies to develop a Multi-Emission Control System (MECS) sulfuric acid plant in Bahia, Brazil. The facility aims to reduce reliance on imported sulfuric acid and produce carbon-free steam, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting sustainable industrial operations.