Romania Specialty Fertilizers Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Water-Soluble Fertilizers, Agricultural Micronutrients, and Customized Fertilizers), By Application Method (Soil, Foliar, and Fertigation), By Crop Type (Row Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Turf & Ornamentals, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2025-2032

The Romania specialty fertilizers market size was valued at USD 310.16 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 331.13 million in 2025 to USD 531.72 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.00% during the forecast period.

Specialty fertilizers are premium fertilizer products and are distinct from commodity fertilizers, containing one or more primary nutrients, secondary macronutrients, or micronutrients. The range of specialty fertilizer products included in the market is controlled-release or slow-release fertilizers, agricultural micronutrients, water-soluble fertilizers, and customized fertilizers. The industry is gaining traction owing to the growing adoption of sustainable farming solutions and the rise in technological advancements in fertilizer formulations, namely controlled-release technologies. Yara International ASA, Syngenta Biologicals, Nufarm Ltd., K+S Aktiengesellschaft, and Haifa Group are some of the leading companies in the market.

Romania Specialty Fertilizers Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 310.16 million
• 2025 Market Size: USD 331.13 million
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 531.72 million
• CAGR: 7.00% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• By Type: The water-soluble fertilizers segment held the largest market share in 2024, valued for its efficiency in nutrient delivery through modern irrigation systems.
• By Crop Type: The fruits & vegetables segment dominated the market, driven by intensive farming practices and the need for precise nutrient management to achieve optimal quality and yield for high-value crops.
• By Application Method: Fertigation is the leading application method, as it allows for precise nutrient delivery, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact.

Romania Market Highlights:

• Sustainable Farming: Market growth is driven by the growing adoption of sustainable farming solutions and the need to increase crop yields on declining arable land.
• Modernization: The increasing use of modern farming techniques, including precision agriculture and advanced irrigation, is boosting demand for specialty fertilizers.
• Customization: There is a rising need for customized, site-specific fertilizer solutions to combat multi-nutrient deficiencies in the soil and improve agricultural efficiency.
• Production Challenges: Variations in natural gas availability and prices, a key input for fertilizer production, pose a significant restraint to the market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Easier Applicability and High Potency to Drive Market Growth

A growing population is simultaneously increasing the demand for nutritious food, which is declining availability of arable land for crop cultivation. Thus, increasing and maintaining higher crop yields has become essential to meet the growing food requirements in the country. Furthermore, global warming-induced weather changes are impacting soil health. Low levels of rainfall and high soil erosion in cultivable land are causing a decline in arable land. According to the World Bank, in 2022, the total arable land in Romania accounted for 35.7% of the total land area, a decline from 37.3% in 2021.

Products such as chelated micronutrients slowly degrade in the soil and act as a plant carbon source when formulated correctly. These products are easily absorbed by the plants and effectively migrate to the nutrient-deficient part of the plant. Hence, their efficacy rate is higher compared to other conventional fertilizers. Products such as controlled-release fertilizers can also be applied easily to the soil and do not require additional water to release nutrients into the soil. Thus, the ease of product applicability also makes it a suitable agri-input for reducing nutrient deficiencies in soil.

Rising Need for Customized Fertilizer Solutions Supports Market Growth

Continuous cultivation of crops and excessive use of chemical fertilizers negatively impact the site's nutrient availability and soil condition. As a result, multi-nutrient deficiency has become prevalent in soil globally, which is hampering crop production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for fertilizers to help combat such multi-nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Customized fertilizers are formulated based on scientific studies conducted through field trials and extensive laboratory studies on the soil. The site-specific nutrient management concept is applied with the support of software tools such as the Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer (DSSAT) to improve nutrient presence in the soil. Furthermore, crop modelling is also used to assess specific field areas that may require additional nutrients. Based on the available data, suitable customized fertilizers are recommended to the farmers to improve nutrient availability and mitigate the site-specific soil issues. Adopting customized fertilizer also helps reduce farmers' burden of purchasing multiple fertilizers for their crops.

Market Restraints

Variation in Natural Gas Availability to Impact Production and Market Availability

Natural gas is one of the major inputs used for fertilizer production. Azomureș, one of the largest Romanian fertilizer producers, accounts for 10% of national natural gas consumption and is a major carbon dioxide (CO2) emitter. The Russia-Ukraine conflict impacted the availability of natural gas, causing a rise in natural gas prices. This rise in gas prices impacted ammonia production, which is one of the major inputs required for fertilizer production, further impacting production and hampering the Romania specialty fertilizers market growth.

Market Opportunities

Growing Usage of Environmentally Sustainable Coating Materials For Specialty Fertilizer Production

Specialty fertilizers, such as controlled-release fertilizers, comprise thermoplastic resin-based coatings made of polyolefin, polyvinylidene chloride, and copolymers. When released into the soil, these coatings do not degrade easily and accumulate over time, causing soil pollution. The EU Commission has identified microplastics from the agricultural sector and inputs as one of the major sources of pollution. As per data provided by the EU Commission, the use of plastics in the region has increased by 20 times since 1960, and in 2015 it amounted to 49 million tons. Thus, to curb agri-input pollution, the EU launched the Circular Economy Action Plan in 2015, and in 2018, it developed a strategy to reduce the adoption of microplastics. The EU Fertilizing Products Regulation has established a guideline that requires controlled-release fertilizers to adopt environmentally sustainable coating materials and reduce their reliance on thermoplastics for fertilizer production. This creates an opportunity for market players in several European countries, including Romania, to develop environmentally sustainable materials that can act as bio-nanocomposites for coating the controlled-release fertilizer.

Romania Specialty Fertilizers Market Trends

Adoption of Modern Farming Techniques to Shape Industry

Agriculture has been playing a unique and integral role in Romania’s economy. Changes in climate and water availability have prompted scientists and agricultural farmers to adopt sustainable practices to cultivate crops. Therefore, in recent years, the farmers in Romania have been looking to maximize production efficiencies and become increasingly open to smart agriculture. They are increasingly adopting modern farming techniques such as land conservation practices, precision agriculture, modern irrigation systems, and digital technologies. Further, using modern irrigation system facilities is expected to increase the adoption rate of specialty nutrients, leading to greater profitability and sustainability.

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Impact of Tariffs

The U.S. tariffs against the European Union will likely have a considerable impact on several regional countries, including Romania. Romania would face harsh effects due to large deficits, or any kind of recession, or a negative economic impact. The country would be indirectly impacted as exposure to U.S. tariffs is limited. Germany, which is known to be Romania’s largest trading partner, contributes heavily to EU-U.S. trade, impacting the supply chain and directly impacting Romania’s agricultural goods, including fertilizers. The tariff may also lead to unpredictable consequences, such as reduced foreign investments due to heightened uncertainty impacting Romanian businesses.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Type

Water-Soluble Fertilizers Segment Led Market Due to Efficiency and Yield Increase

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into controlled-release fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, agricultural micronutrients, and customized fertilizers.

The water-soluble fertilizers segment held the largest market proportion in 2024. These fertilizers dissolve completely in water and thus allow plants to take nutrients efficiently through drip irrigation and foliar application. They are usually well-suited for large-scale farming and small-scale gardening. 

The controlled-release fertilizers segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, owing to its effective delivery of nutrients to crops. Further, growing consumer awareness about sustainable agriculture practices and high crop yields supports the market growth.

By Application Method

Fertigation Segment to Account for Highest Market Share Due to Precision Nutrient Delivery and Reduced Nutrient Losses

Based on the application method, the market is segmented into soil, foliar, and fertigation.

The fertigation segment is expected to reach a majority of the Romania specialty fertilizers market share. Fertigation is a modern agricultural practice technique in which fertilizer is mixed with water and supplied to crops through the irrigation system with the help of a drip or micro-sprinkler system. Fertigation helps optimize nutrient application by reducing environmental impact caused by excessive fertilizer use and minimizing wastage. Furthermore, fertigation is also majorly carried out with water-soluble fertilizers, which are readily dissolved and distributed to the crops.

The foliar application technique is the most rapidly growing segment due to its increasing popularity among farmers. It ensures even nutrient distribution to crops and offers supplementary feeding to complement soil fertilization and enhance productivity. Moreover, foliar application may be used at designated developmental stages of the crop to enhance yield and quality.

By Crop Type

Fruits & Vegetables Led Market Due to Intensive Farming Practices and Perishable Nature

Based on the crop type, the market is segmented into row crops, fruits & vegetables, turf & ornamentals, and others.

The fruits & vegetables segment dominated the market. Romania has a high potential for fruit & vegetable production due to its climate diversity and natural soil fertility. Moreover, fruits & vegetables are grown with intensive farming practices and require precise nutrient management to achieve optimal quality and yield, fueling the demand for specialty fertilizers. They are also perishable and have higher export quantities, which makes specialty fertilizers well-suited to meet these needs.

The row crops segment will grow considerably due to the widespread cultivation of staple crops, including corn, rice, wheat, and maize. These crops typically require high levels of nutrients to ensure optimum quality and growth. The segment's expansion is also credited to increasing demands for sustainable food production to ensure improved agricultural efficiency and feed an expanding population.

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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Focus on New Product Launches by Key Players to Support Market Growth

The specialty fertilizers market in Romania is known to be semi-consolidated, with several multinational and local players competing against each other to expand their market positions. Major specialty fertilizer market players include Yara International ASA, Syngenta Biologicals, Nufarm Ltd., K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Haifa Group, and others.

Key Players in the Romania Specialty Fertilizers Market

Mergers & acquisitions, followed by base expansion, are the two major strategies adopted by the players in the specialty fertilizers market to achieve market growth.

• For instance, in june 2024, Sumitomo Corporation, an integrated trading and business investment company, acquired Naturevo S.R.L., a Romanian distributor of agricultural inputs, through Alcedo S.R.L., a wholly owned, engaged in the distribution of agricultural inputs in Romania.

Major market players are expanding their market presence by acquiring related businesses in existing and new markets. Such an integration process helps them to optimize their production process, expand their product line, reduce production costs, and become competitive.

List of Key Romania Specialty Fertilizer Companies Profiled

• Yara International ASA (Norway)
• K+S Aktiengesellschaft (Germany)
• Nufarm Ltd. (Australia)
• Sumitomo Corporation (Japan)
• Chimcomplex S.A. (Romania)
• Haifa Group (Israel)
• Azomures Targu Mureș (Romania)
• Kugler Company (U.S.)
• Syngenta Biologicals (Switzerland)
• Van Iperen International (Poland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• October 2024: Chimcomplex, one of Romania's largest chemical groups, confirmed preliminary discussions to acquire Azomures, a fertilizer producer, and strengthen its position in the Romanian specialty fertilizer sector.
• February 2022: EuroChem Group AG acquired the nitrogen business of the Borealis group. Borealis operates fertilizer production facilities in central growing regions of Austria and France, with more than 50 sales offices across Europe and approximately 4 million tonnes of product shipped annually to Western, Central, and South Eastern Europe through the Borealis L.A.T distribution network. This acquisition increased EuroChem, distribution network and value-added specialty fertilizers to its customers.
• June 2021: The company SUNAGRO UKRAINE launched water-soluble fertilizer, namely Granular Magnesium sulphate (MgO - 27 %; SO3 - 42 %), which helps plants get easier accessibility to magnesium and Sulphur.  
• February 2021: Israel Chemicals Ltd. launched the 5th-generation Osmocote controlled-release fertilizer for the U.K., other parts of Europe, and Irish growers, conducted nursery trials, and completed a full-scale launch in autumn 2021.
• January 2019: The Haifa Group expanded its Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) production capacity in France. The facility's production capacity in Lunel Ville, South France, was upgraded to 24,000 MTPA to meet the growing market needs.

REPORT COVERAGE

The Romania specialty fertilizers market report analyzes the market in depth and highlights crucial aspects such as market trends, market dynamics, prominent companies, and applications. Besides this, the market statistics report also provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments.

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Report Scope & Segmentation