Global Specialty Fertilizer Market Size Study & Forecast, by Technology (Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Micronutrients, Water Soluble Fertilizers, Liquid Fertilizers), Form (Dry and Liquid) and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

The Global Specialty Fertilizer Market is valued at approximately USD 27.72 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of nearly 6.80% throughout the forecast period 2025-2035. Specialty fertilizers, designed to deliver nutrients with precision and efficiency, have increasingly reshaped modern crop production by helping growers navigate soil limitations, optimize nutrient uptake, and enhance overall plant performance. These formulations, which range from controlled-release granules to micronutrient-enriched blends and highly soluble liquids, have become indispensable across high-value crop segments where consistency, quality, and sustainability are demanded in equal measure. Their surge in adoption is also closely tied to the accelerating global need for food security, shifts in dietary consumption patterns, and expanding agricultural modernization across both developed and emerging economies.

As farmers contend with volatile climate conditions and rising input costs, specialty fertilizers have stepped in to bridge the nutrition gap left by conventional bulk fertilizers. They improve nutrient-use efficiency, reduce losses from leaching and volatilization, and ultimately help growers attain superior yield uniformity while conserving resources. The expanding commercial cultivation of fruits, vegetables, greenhouse crops, and export-oriented produce has driven nutrient management practices that lean heavily on tailored formulations. Moreover, precision agriculture systems, sensor-based fertigation, and controlled-environment farming are amplifying the demand for innovative nutrient delivery technologies. While the market continues to progress steadily, it must still overcome challenges associated with high production costs, limited awareness among smallholder farmers, and fluctuating raw material prices. Nevertheless, continuous innovation in polymer coatings, chelation chemistry, and bio-based nutrient enhancers is opening lucrative avenues for future expansion.

The detailed segments and sub-segments included in the report are:

By Technology:
• Controlled-Release Fertilizers
• Micronutrients
• Water Soluble Fertilizers
• Liquid Fertilizers

By Form:
• Dry
• Liquid

By Application Method:
• Foliar
• Fertigation
• Soil Application
• Others

By Crop Type:
• Cereals & Grains
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Turf & Ornamentals
• Others

By Region:

North America
• U.S.
• Canada

Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• ROE

Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• RoAPAC

Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico

Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Controlled-Release Fertilizers are Expected to Dominate the Market

Controlled-release fertilizers continue to hold the largest market share, driven primarily by their ability to deliver nutrients gradually and minimize environmental losses. As growers increasingly adopt high-efficiency fertilization systems to meet stringent sustainability standards, controlled-release technologies have become central to improving nutrient uptake and reducing labor and application frequency. Their dominance is further strengthened by their suitability for high-value horticulture, long-duration crops, and regions facing irrigation constraints. Although controlled-release remains the anchor segment, water-soluble fertilizers are rapidly gaining momentum, particularly in fertigation-driven cultivation and greenhouse production systems.

Water-Soluble Fertilizers Lead in Revenue Contribution

When assessing revenue contribution across the specialty fertilizer landscape, water-soluble fertilizers consistently lead the market. Their wide compatibility with precision irrigation systems, ease of nutrient customization, and rapid plant absorption make them a preferred choice for producers targeting quality-driven yields. Their dominance is reinforced by the global expansion of protected cultivation, hydroponics, and climate-smart farming systems. Meanwhile, liquid fertilizers are recognized as the fastest-growing category, supported by the rising adoption of foliar feeding techniques and advancements in formulation stability. This paints a nuanced market dynamic—water-soluble fertilizers anchor revenue today, while liquid fertilizers are accelerating most rapidly in terms of future growth potential.

Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa together form the core of the Specialty Fertilizer Market. North America maintained leadership in 2025, owing to advanced farming practices, high adoption of precision agriculture, and consistent demand for nutrient-efficient formulations. The region’s robust greenhouse vegetable industry and widespread fertigation systems further cement its position. Conversely, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region over the forecast period. Rapid population expansion, rising food consumption, and intensifying commercial agriculture in China and India have significantly accelerated the adoption of specialty fertilizers. Investments in irrigation modernization, supportive government programs promoting high-efficiency fertilizers, and expanding horticultural exports are collectively propelling regional growth.

Major market players included in this report are:
• Yara International
• Haifa Group
• ICL Group
• Nutrien Ltd.
• The Mosaic Company
• EuroChem Group
• Coromandel International
• Kingenta
• K+S Aktiengesellschaft
• OCI Global
• Uralchem
• SQM
• Ostchem
• Valagro
• Agrium Technologies

Global Specialty Fertilizer Market Report Scope:
• Historical Data – 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation – 2024
• Forecast period – 2025-2035
• Report Coverage – Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope – North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained above.

Key Takeaways:
• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional-level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of the geographical landscape with country-level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of the competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.

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