Ferrous Sulfate Market

Market Definition

The market focuses on the production and supply of iron-based chemical compounds, mainly in monohydrate and heptahydrate forms. These are processed through crystallization or granulation methods and are widely used in water treatment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and pigments. In agriculture, it corrects iron deficiencies in soil. 

In pharmaceuticals, it is used in iron supplements. Industrial applications include dye manufacturing and wastewater treatment. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of key drivers, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape expected to influence the market over the forecast period.

Ferrous Sulfate Market Overview

The global ferrous sulfate market size was valued at USD 2897.6 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2958.4 million in 2025 to USD 3564.8 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.53% during the forecast period. 

Market growth is supported by expanding water treatment applications, where it is used to remove contaminants such as phosphates and heavy metals. Additionally, rising demand in pigment manufacturing, particularly for iron oxide pigments, is increasing the use of ferrous sulfate in industrial processes.

Major companies operating in the ferrous sulfate industry are Venator Materials PLC, Rech Chemical Co. Ltd., Crown Technology, Inc., Kemira Oyj, KRONOS Worldwide, Inc., Chemland Group, Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd., Verdesian Life Sciences, LLC, Hong Yield Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., Changsha Haolin Chemicals Co., Ltd., Shaoyang Shenzhou Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Zouping County Runzi Chemicals Co., Ltd., Gokay Mining and Chemicals, Kangtai Chemical, and Lubon Industry.

The growth of the market is fueled by the rising demand for iron-based soil additives. Ferrous sulfate is widely used to treat iron deficiency chlorosis in crops, particularly in alkaline soils. The agricultural sector relies on micronutrient-enriched fertilizers to boost crop yields and improve plant health. This trend is particularly significant in regions facing nutrient-depleted soil conditions, boosting the adoption of ferrous sulfate-based inputs across commercial farming operations.

• In May 2024, the Government of India amended the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) to include new categories, such as dispersible granular sulfur and multi-nutrient blends. These additions aim to provide farmers with more options to address specific soil nutrient deficiencies, potentially increasing the use of iron-based additives such as ferrous sulfate to combat iron deficiency chlorosis in crops.

Key Highlights

1. The ferrous sulfate industry size was valued at USD 2897.6 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.53% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 34.07% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 987.2 million.
4. The granule/powder segment garnered USD 1799.2 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The heptahydrate segment is expected to reach USD 1002.1 million by 2032.
6. The construction segment secured the largest revenue share of 29.90% in 2024.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.39% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

Expanding Water Treatment Applications

The ferrous sulfate market benefits significantly from its rising use in municipal and industrial water treatment plants. Ferrous sulfate acts as an effective coagulant for phosphate removal and sludge conditioning. 

Numerous government bodies are enforcing stricter wastewater discharge standards, especially in developing economies. This regulatory pressure is increasing the need for efficient, cost-effective water treatment chemicals, with ferrous sulfate emerging as a preferred solution in several wastewater processing frameworks.

• In April 2024, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) initiated a 45-day public comment period for the proposed revision of Standard B402, which pertains to the use of ferrous sulfate in water treatment. This initiative indicates a growing recognition of ferrous sulfate's role in municipal water treatment processes across North America.

Market Challenge

Stringent Environmental and Waste Disposal Regulations

Strict regulations on waste discharge and sludge management constrain the growth of the ferrous sulfate market. Authorities in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia enforce lower heavy-metal impurities, tighter effluent limits, and supply chain traceability. These compliance requirements raise production costs and may delay plant expansions.

Producers are addressing this challenge through closed-loop systems that recover acid and iron from titanium-dioxide and steel pickling streams, reducing fresh raw-material demand and hazardous residues. Several firms are installing high-efficiency crystallizers, switching to cleaner energy, and certifying products under ISO 14001 to reassure customers. Partnerships with licensed recyclers further cut disposal liabilities and maintain market access.

Market Trend

Rising Integration in Pigment Manufacturing

Ferrous sulfate serves as a key precursor in manufacturing iron oxide pigments used in construction, paints, and plastics. The ferrous sulfate market benefits from rising demand, particularly in developing countries with expanding infrastructure. 

The pigment industry is experiencing a strong demand for ferrous sulfate due to its consistency, cost-efficiency, and compatibility with green synthesis routes. This ensures a stable demand from manufacturers seeking affordable pigment raw materials.

• In January 2024, LANXESS AG introduced a new range of high-performance iron oxide pigments designed for use in coatings, plastics, and construction materials. These pigments emphasize durability and color stability, catering to the growing demand for consistent and cost-effective pigment raw materials in developing countries with accelerating infrastructure development.

Ferrous Sulfate Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Form	Granule/Powder, Liquid
By Type	Heptahydrate, Monohydrate, Tetrahydrate, Anhydrous, Others
By Application	Construction, Water Treatment, Pigments, Pharmaceutical, Animal Feed, Others
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 Form (Granule/Powder and Liquid): The granule/powder segment earned USD 1799.2 million in 2024 due to its higher stability, ease of storage and transport, and broad suitability across agriculture, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications.
• By Type (Heptahydrate, Monohydrate, Tetrahydrate, Anhydrous, and Others): The heptahydrate segment held a share of 28.08% in 2024, fueled by its higher purity, better solubility, and widespread use in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and water treatment applications.
• By Application (Construction, Water Treatment, Pigments, Pharmaceutical, Animal Feed, and Others): The construction segment is projected to reach USD 1067.3 million by 2032, owing to its extensive use in cement additives and concrete admixtures that improve strength and durability, driving consistent demand.

Ferrous Sulfate Market Regional Analysis

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

The North America ferrous sulfate market share stood at around 34.07% in 2024, valued at USD 987.2 million. North America continues to report significant rates of iron-deficiency anemia, particularly among pregnant women, adolescents, and older adults. Ferrous sulfate remains the primary oral iron supplement due to its affordability and accessibility. 

The continued reliance on ferrous sulfate supplements by healthcare providers is strengthening its position in the regional pharmaceutical segment. Moreover, several municipalities in North America are using ferrous sulfate to control hydrogen sulfide and phosphorus in wastewater treatment systems. 

With rising investments in modernizing water treatment facilities across the region, the demand for ferrous sulfate as a cost-efficient coagulant is growing steadily, accelerating regional market expansion.

The Asia Pacific ferrous sulfate industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.39% over the forecast period. The region, with its extensive agricultural land and widespread iron-deficient soils, sees growing use of ferrous sulfate to address iron chlorosis and improve crop productivity. Government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture and soil health further promote the use of ferrous sulfate-based fertilizers, boosting regional market expansion.

• In March 2025, the Indian Ministry of Agriculture launched a subsidy program to promote the use of micronutrient-enriched fertilizers, including ferrous sulfate, which aims to combat widespread iron-deficient soils in key farming states such as Maharashtra and Punjab. This initiative seeks to improve crop yields and soil health sustainably.

Furthermore, the rising consumption of meat and dairy products in Asia Pacific has led to growth in livestock farming. Ferrous sulfate is regularly used as an iron supplement in animal feed to improve animal health and productivity. This expanding livestock sector, combined with the need for efficient nutrition, is contributing significantly to domestic market expansion.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., ferrous sulfate is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) when used in pesticides. It must meet NSF/ANSI Standard 60 for water treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food applications, subject to purity specifications detailed in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• In the European Union, ferrous sulfate is regulated through the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation, requiring thorough safety documentation and registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets maximum iron levels for use in animal feed to ensure consumer and animal safety. Ferrous sulfate must also comply with the EU Fertilising Products Regulation for agricultural use and meet purity standards for pharmaceutical applications.
• China regulates ferrous sulfate under national GB standards, which outline strict technical and safety specifications for industrial chemicals. Ferrous sulfate products must also conform to the Chinese Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances and pass quality checks set by local bureaus. These measures ensure controlled use in agriculture, food fortification, and industrial wastewater treatment.
• Japan classifies ferrous sulfate as a designated food additive under the Food Sanitation Law, managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). It must meet stringent purity and usage limits outlined in Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives. Industrial uses are regulated through the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL), while pharmaceutical applications are reviewed by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). These laws govern the product’s safety across all applications.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the ferrous sulfate industry are focusing on expanding their product lines, investing in research and development, and increasing production capacity to meet rising demand. These strategies help companies offer more specialized ferrous sulfate products for use in agriculture, water treatment, and animal nutrition. By improving product quality and scaling operations, companies are better positioned to serve both domestic and global markets.

List of Key Companies in ferrous sulfate Market:

• Venator Materials PLC
• Rech Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Crown Technology, Inc.
• Kemira Oyj
• KRONOS Worldwide, Inc.
• Chemland Group
• Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd.
• Verdesian Life Sciences, LLC
• Hong Yield Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Changsha Haolin Chemicals Co., Ltd.
• Shaoyang Shenzhou Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
• Zouping County Runzi Chemicals Co., Ltd.
• Gokay Mining and Chemicals
• Kangtai Chemical
• Lubon Industry

Recent Developments (M&A)

• In April 2025, Kemira Oyj acquired Thatcher Group's iron sulfate coagulant business in the East Coast region of the United States. This strategic move aims to enhance Kemira's presence in the water treatment sector by integrating Thatcher's customer base and assets into its existing operations. The acquisition is expected to bolster Kemira's capacity to meet the growing demand for water treatment chemicals in the region.