Phosphate Fertilizer Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to the detailed report by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global phosphate fertilizer market recorded sales of USD 20,623.0 million in 2018. The market experienced a 30.0% year-on-year growth in 2022 and is anticipated to achieve revenues of USD 55,599.5 million in 2023.

Over the assessment period from 2023 to 2033, the global market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, resulting in a market size of USD 92,110.8 million by 2033.

Attributes Details
Phosphate Fertilizer Market Value (2022A) USD 53,258.6 million
Estimated Market Value (2023E) USD 55,599.5 million
Projected Market Value (2033F) USD 92,110.8 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.1%
Collective Value Share: Top 3 Countries (2023) 53.6%

Phosphate rock is used for the production of commercial phosphate fertilizers. Approximately two-thirds of the phosphate resources are obtained from marine and sedimentary marine phosphate rock deposits. Initially, ground rock phosphate was used as a source of phosphate fertilizer.

Phosphate reserves are declining in quality and quantity throughout the world. Consumers are increasingly demanding agro-fuels as renewable fossil fuel substitutes, which is driving up the price of phosphate fertilizer.

Phosphorus is plentifully available on Earth. Food production is hampered by phosphorus deficiency in soils until the nutrient is provided through fertilizers. Consequently, sufficient phosphorus improves food production. Consumers prefer it since it assists in seed development, plant maturation, and root growth.

As a result, fertilizers based on phosphorus are necessary for modern agriculture.

Though, the use of rock phosphate in agriculture has significantly decreased recently. This is owing to the low concentration of phosphorous in rock phosphate, high transportation costs, and poor crop responses.

Hence, phosphorus in the form of fertilizer is used as a primary ingredient for crop production such as Diammonium phosphate (DAP), mono ammonium phosphate (MAP), and SSP.

As a result of increasing fertilizer demand in countries such as India, China, and Turkey, the world's primary source of phosphate, phosphate rock, is processed into fertilizers with phosphorus, which is continuously added to modern agricultural practices and is anticipated to continue to play a significant role in the industry.

Key Trends in Phosphate Fertilizer Market by Future Market Insights (FMI):

  • Phosphate fertilizers are playing a key role in improving crop productivity and meeting growing food demand globally.
  • Growing awareness of the environmental concerns associated with conventional fertilizers has led to increased use of phosphate fertilizers.
  • Precision agricultural techniques such as soil testing, satellite imagery and crop modelling are becoming more popular, allowing farmers to apply fertilizer more efficiently, optimize fertilizer use and minimize waste.
  • Concerns about chemical residues and environmental sustainability are increasing the demand for organic food, which relies on natural sources of nutrients such as phosphate fertilizers made from organic materials.
  • Governments and international organizations have implemented regulations and policies governing the use of phosphate-containing fertilizers to protect the environment and ensure sustainable agriculture.

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2018 to 2022 Phosphate Fertilizer Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

Future Market Insights (FMI) mentions that the global phosphate fertilizer market was worth USD 20,623 million in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 53,258.6 million by 2022. The market is projected to register 4.4% year-on-year growth in 2023.

Demand for phosphate fertilizers has increased steadily over the years, primarily due to population growth and the need to surge agricultural productivity. As countries strive to meet their food needs, consumers find that the use of phosphate fertilizers has become essential to register high crop yields.

Historically, demand for phosphate fertilizers has been concentrated in regions with large agricultural sectors such as North America, Europe, and Asia.

Though, consumption patterns are changing as demand increases from emerging markets in regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia Pacific. This change is attributed to increased agricultural activity, increased disposable income, and government efforts to support agricultural development.

Phosphate fertilizer prices can fluctuate over time. Factors such as changes in production capacity, availability of phosphate reserves, geopolitical tensions, and market trends influence price volatility. The price of phosphate fertilizer is closely related to the price of the main raw material, rock phosphate.

Advances in fertilizer manufacturing technology have improved the efficiency and quality of phosphate fertilizers. For instance, consumers’ push for better efficiency led to the development of granulation technology and the introduction of specialty fertilizers.

Mono ammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and other specialty fertilizers have facilitated the application and improved nutrient uptake by crops.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on Global Phosphate Fertilizer Market

As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, critical agricultural crop and fertilizer markets were disrupted globally, endangering global food security. Although high domestic price levels persist in many low- and middle-income countries, high international food prices have reduced as the war enters its second year.

The price of fertilizer had reached a historically high at the time of the Russian invasion. Prices rose as a result of rising costs for natural gas and coal, which are important feedstock and energy sources in the production of fertilizers, as well as some decreases in production capacity on the supply side.

Russia halted a large number of shipments in reaction to international economic sanctions. Although shipments of fertilizer were not specifically prohibited, Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade advised its fertilizer producers to temporarily halt exports of their goods due to shipping concerns.

Amid international financial sanctions and security worries, shipping corporations as well as Western financing and vessel insurance firms avoided Russia. As a result, fertilizer prices both internationally and domestically shot up to all-time highs in March 2022.

The World Bank estimates that after an increase of 80% in 2021, fertilizer prices worldwide have increased by 30% by the beginning of 2022. Overall, governments and international organizations would be wise to strike a balance between short-term industry change and crisis-oriented remedies.

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How Does the Shrinking Crop Harvesting Area Elevate the Demand for P-fertilizers?

The global market is poised to experience a surge in demand, driven by a notable decrease in arable land per person in countries like India, China, the United States, and others. With diminishing land for cultivation and a growing population, there is an urgent need to boost agricultural yields to meet the ever-increasing demand for food production.

The possibilities for future expansion of agricultural land are becoming increasingly limited due to rapid industrialization and urbanization.

The importance of phosphorus fertilizers becomes even more critical for users in bridging the gap between food demand and the available cultivable land. Farmers rely on phosphorus fertilizers as an indispensable strategy to meet the rising demand for food products.

The growing global demand for meat and other food products further intensifies the necessity for phosphorus fertilizers. Livestock production requires substantial amounts of feed crops.

Consumers prefer phosphorus fertilizers for this purpose since play a crucial role in promoting the growth and nutritional value of these crops. This ensures a sustainable supply of animal feed.

Looking ahead, the phosphate fertilizer industry is poised for significant growth as it responds to the escalating demand for food production and the imperative of agricultural sustainability.

The Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, in particular, present immense potential for market expansion. With their burgeoning population, increasing urbanization, and rising agricultural activities, these regions offer favorable conditions for the increased adoption of phosphorus fertilizers.

How do the Finite Phosphorus Reserves Squeeze Demand for Phosphorus-based Fertilizer?

The finite nature of phosphorus reserves presents a significant restraint on the growth of the market. Phosphorus, a vital component of fertilizers, is a non-renewable resource that is primarily obtained through mining activities.

Though, accessible and high-quality phosphorus reserves are becoming increasingly limited and are depleting at a faster rate than they can be replenished.

The agriculture sector heavily relies on phosphorus-based fertilizers to enhance crop productivity and meet food production targets. The scarcity of phosphorus reserves poses a long-term challenge for the market.

The mining and extraction of phosphorus are complex processes that require significant investment and energy.

As accessible reserves diminish, the cost and difficulty of extraction are likely to increase, leading to higher prices of P-fertilizers. This can have implications for farmers' profitability and affordability, potentially reducing their demand for phosphate fertilizers.

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Country-wise Analysis

Will China Account for a Significant Market Share?

Increasing Agriculture Activities and Irrigation Policies in China to Spur Demand

Demand for products remains prominent in China and is expected to hold around 30.5% of the global market share in 2023.

The phosphorus-based fertilizer market in China holds the leading global market share. This can be attributed to factors such as increasing agricultural activities, new cropping methods, new irrigation policies, and enhanced marketing in China. These factors have been instrumental in driving the growth of the regional market.

China exports about ten million tonnes of phosphate annually, or about thirty percent of all worldwide trade, according to figures from Chinese customs. India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are the prevalent purchasers of it.

China has produced one-fourth of the grain consumed globally and fed one-fifth of the world's population, which is a significant achievement in the global endeavor to secure food and nutrition security.

In terms of the production of cotton, cereals, vegetables, fruits meat, eggs, poultry, and fishery goods, China currently leads the globe. These trends have contributed to the rising demand for phosphate fertilizers in the country.

What Makes India a Hub for Phosphate Fertilizers?

Rising Government Contribution to Propel Need for Phosphate Fertilizers in India

India is expected to dominate the South Asia Pacific as well as the global market. India has the largest agriculture sector in South Asia Pacific.

The Indian government has been offering guidance and support to Indian fertilizer companies as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat effort to encourage self-sufficiency in fertilizer production. The country's heavy reliance on raw materials like phosphoric acid and rock phosphate is expected to lend it a key position in the global phosphate fertilizer industry.

In the South Asia Pacific, India is a developing market where the agricultural sector significantly contributes to GDP growth. As a result, the government has launched several programs to encourage the expansion of the agricultural sector.

To increase production and maximize output, one such project provides subsidies on fertilizers, such as N, P, and K fertilizers. The integration of these multiple enhanced agriculture practices is pushing the sales of P-fertilizers in India.

Category-wise Insights

Which Application Segment Generates Substantial Revenue?

Cereals and Pulses are the Leading Application of Phosphate Fertilizers

Based on application, the cereals and pulses segment accounted for a 44.8% market share in 2022. Agricultural production will need to increase at a faster pace to meet worldwide food demand.

A challenge in front of the agricultural industry is to ensure that nutrition-based crops are produced using environment-friendly agricultural methods.

According to the data published by Food and Agricultural Organization, demand for cereal and coarse grains is likely to rise owing to population growth. Rising animal feed, increasing ethanol demand, and production of food stocks for starches and sweeteners are only expected to further drive demand for resources.

For pulse crops, phosphorus is a crucial plant nutrient. Strong seedlings and large root systems are encouraged by phosphorus. To encourage healthy nodule development, it is crucial to promote vigorous root growth.

Phosphorus is important for the process of fixing nitrogen and encouraging an earlier, more uniform maturity. The availability of limited land and the increasing need for food production is expected to propel the demand for P-based fertilizers.

Which is the Preferred Product Type in the Market?

Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Increases Soil pH to Propel Their Demand by 2033

In the global market, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is predicted to have a 43.6% value share in 2022.

The reaction between phosphoric acid and ammonia yields Diammonium phosphate (DAP). In comparison to MAP, DAP typically contains roughly 18% nitrogen (N) and 46% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5).

Like MAP, users frequently employ DAP in agriculture for several crops and provides plants with easily accessible nutrients. It is especially helpful for crops that need a lot of phosphorus and nitrogen during the initial stages of growth.

An effective source of nitrogen, the ammonium in DAP is progressively transformed to nitrate by soil bacteria, which decreases the pH. As a result, the increase in soil pH caused by DAP granules is only a passing phenomenon.

The micro-site interactions of phosphate and soil organic matter may be impacted by this early elevation in soil pH near DAP.

Diammonium Phosphate functions as a fire retardant. For instance, to stop a forest from burning, DAP and other components can be spread ahead of a fire. After the fire threat has subsided, it subsequently turns into a source of nutrients.

DAP is also utilized in several industrial procedures, including metal finishing. It can also be commonly added to milk to create cheese cultures and wine to maintain yeast fermentation. The increasing utilization of DAP in the agriculture industry is expected to push the sales of P-based Fertilizers.

Competitive Landscape

With continuous development and increasing investments in the agricultural sector for better products, the demand for the highest quality phosphate fertilizers is rising. The need for quality fertilizers is propelling the growth of the market and in turn, putting pressure on companies to boost the phosphate fertilizer supply that meets the ever-growing demand.

Owing to this, several companies are expanding their production facilities keeping in consideration the immense prospects of the phosphate fertilizer market. Prominent players are focusing on introducing innovative solutions and collaborating with small and medium size players in the market space

For Instance:

  • In 2023-Moroccan phosphates and fertilizers producer OCP supplied India with 1.7 million tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizers. Morocco's OCP will supply India with 700,000 tonnes of a nitrogen-free fertilizer known as triple super phosphate (TSP), in addition to 1 million tonnes of Diammonium phosphate (DAP).
  • In February 2022, PhosAgro announced the establishment of PhosAgro-Sibir as a new regional business. The business, which is a subsidiary of PhosAgro, supplies agricultural farmers in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts with direct deliveries of a variety of mineral fertilizers.
  • In June 2021, Ma’aden completed utilities commissioning on a USD 900 million ammonia plant in Ras Al-Khair industrial City, which is the first project in the USD 6.4 billion ‘Phosphate Fertilizer 3’ expansion to Ma’aden’s Phosphate Fertilizer fertilizer portfolio.
  • In December 2020, An agreement for collaboration between PhosAgro-Region and Exact Farming struck on the creation of digital services for Russian users of PhosAgro's mineral fertilizers.

Phosphate Fertilizer Industry Report Scope

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis USD million for Value and Tons for Volume
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Western Europe;  Eastern Europe; East Asia; South Asia Pacific; and the Middle East and Africa
Key Countries Covered The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, Gulf Co-operation Council countries, Türkiye, Northern Africa, and South Africa
Key Market Segments Covered By Product Type, By Application, and By Region
Key Companies Profiled Eurochem Group AG;Israel Chemicals Ltd.;Coromandel International Ltd.;Nutrien Ltd.;PJSC PhosAgro.;Yara International ASA;The OCP Group;JESA;MIRA Organics and Chemicals PVT LTD;Ma'aden;California Organic Fertilizers Inc;Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd.;Qatar fertilizer;Kazphosphate LLC;Jordan Phosphate Mines Co.;Haifa Group;J.R. Simplot Company;Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.;Itafos;The Mosaic Company

Key Segments Covered

By Product Type:

  • Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP)
  • Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)
  • Single Superphosphate (SSP)
  • Triple Superphosphate (TSP)
  • Others

By Application:

  • Cereals and Grains
  • Oilseeds
  • Pulses and legumes
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Central Asia
  • Russia and Belarus
  • Balkan and Baltic
  • South Asia Pacific
  • East Asia
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Current Phosphate Fertilizer Market Valuation?

The phosphate fertilizer market is valued at US$ 55,599.5 million in 2023.

What is the Projected Size of the Phosphate Fertilizer Market by 2033?

The phosphate fertilizer market is projected to attain a value of US$ 92,110.8 million by 2033.

What is the Estimated CAGR for the Phosphate Fertilizer Market?

Phosphate fertilizer sales are anticipated to surge at a robust 5.1% CAGR through 2033.

Which Country Demonstrates Significant Profit Potential for Phosphate Fertilizer?

China prominently showcases significant profit potential in the phosphate fertilizer market.

Which is the Key Segment in the Phosphate Fertilizer Market by Product Type?

The diammonium phosphate fertilizer segment is poised to dominate the market, holding a 43.6% value share in 2022.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Global Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Product Type
		9.1. Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP)
		9.2. Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)
		9.3. Single Superphosphate (SSP)
		9.4. Triple Superphosphate (TSP)
		9.5. Others
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Application
		10.1. Cereals and Grains
		10.2. Oilseeds
		10.3. Pulses and Legumes
		10.4. Fruits and Vegetables
		10.5. Others
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Region
		11.1. North America
		11.2. Latin America
		11.3. Western Europe
		11.4. Eastern Europe
		11.5. Central Asia
		11.6. Russia and Belarus
		11.7. Balkan and Baltic Countries
		11.8. Middle East and Africa
		11.9. East Asia
		11.10. South Asia and Pacific
	12. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	13. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Central Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. Russia and Belarus Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. Balkan and Baltic Countries Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	20. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	21. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	22. Countries-wise Market Analysis
	23. United Arab Emirates Market Analysis
	24. Market Structure Analysis
	25. Competition Analysis
		25.1. The Mosaic Company
		25.2. Eurochem Group AG
		25.3. Israel Chemicals Ltd.
		25.4. Coromandel International Ltd.
		25.5. Nutrien Ltd
		25.6. PJSC PhosAgro
		25.7. Yara International ASA
		25.8. The OCP Group
		25.9. JESA
		25.10. MIRA Organics and Chemicals PVT LTD
		25.11. Ma'aden
		25.12. California Organic Fertilizers Inc
		25.13. Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd.
		25.14. Qatar Fertilizer
		25.15. Kazphosphate LLC
		25.16. Jordan Phosphate Mines Co.
		25.17. Haifa Group
		25.18. J.R. Simplot Company
		25.19. Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.
		25.20. Itafos
	26. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	27. Research Methodology
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