Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Sulfur-Bentonite, Sulfur-Bentonite-Zinc, Sulfur-Bentonite-Manganese, Sulfur-Bentonite-Iron, Sulfur-Bentonite-Copper, and Others), By Form (Powder and Liquid), By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global sulfur-based micronutrients market size was valued at USD 605.08 million in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 653.43 million in 2026 to USD 1,233.59 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.27% during the forecast period.

Sulfur-based micronutrients play a critical role in modern crop nutrition, supporting protein synthesis, enzyme activation, chlorophyll formation, oil content improvement, and nitrogen use efficiency. Increasing sulfur deficiencies in agricultural soils, driven by intensive organic farming practices, declining atmospheric sulfur deposition, and imbalanced fertilizer use, are making sulfur supplementation indispensable across both staple and high-value crops.

The sulfur-based micronutrients market is led by a group of globally integrated fertilizer and crop nutrition companies, with the top five players being Nutrien Ltd., Yara International ASA, The Mosaic Company, ICL Group Ltd., and EuroChem Group.

Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market Trends

Increasing Focus on Balanced Fertilization and Soil Health Restoration to Shape Industry

The growing emphasis on balanced nutrient management and long-term soil fertility has emerged as a defining trend in the sulfur-based micronutrients market. Declining sulfur availability in soils, caused by reduced sulfur emissions from industrial sources and higher crop removal rates, has increased the frequency of sulfur deficiencies across cereals, oilseeds, and horticultural crops. Leading manufacturers are expanding portfolios of sulfate-based and enhanced-efficiency sulfur formulations compatible with precision farming systems. Integration of sulfur with nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrient blends is improving nutrient uptake efficiency, reducing yield gaps, and supporting sustainable agricultural intensification.

• For instance, in July 2025, ICL launched Sulfurball, a novel sulfur fertilizer featuring spherical granules. This product targets sulfur deficiencies in key crops such as soybeans and corn, enhancing nutrient efficiency through gradual soil release.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Rising Sulfur Deficiency in Agricultural Soils Driving Demand for Sulfur-based Micronutrients

Modern high-yield crop varieties have significantly higher sulfur requirements, particularly oilseeds, pulses, and protein-rich cereals. Continuous cropping, reduced organic matter application, and limited sulfur return to soils have intensified deficiency levels across major agricultural regions. Sulfur-based micronutrients are increasingly applied to improve crop quality parameters such as protein content, oil concentration, and amino acid composition, directly influencing farm profitability.

• According to the Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research, around 41% of Indian soils have reported Sulfur (S) deficiency is accurate, a widespread issue due to intensive farming, low use of S-containing fertilizers, and nutrient removal, impacting crop high yields and quality, with deficiencies more pronounced in red-lateritic and Alfisols.

Market Restraints

Limited Farmer Awareness and Application Timing Constraints to Restrict Market Penetration

Despite agronomic benefits, sulfur-based micronutrients face adoption barriers in smallholder farming systems due to limited awareness, inadequate soil testing, and improper timing of application. In many regions, farmers prioritize macronutrients (NPK) while underapplying secondary nutrients, leading to suboptimal sulfur utilization and inconsistent yield responses.

• For example, the U.S. extension survey in South Dakota reported that only 26% of farmers applied sulfur fertilizers in the fall, spring, or in-season for field crops, with the vast majority not using any sulfur source at all.

Market Opportunities

Precision Agriculture and Specialty Crop Expansion to Unlock New Growth Opportunities

The rapid expansion of precision and modern agriculture, fertigation systems, and specialty crop cultivation presents strong global sulfur-based micronutrients market growth opportunities. Liquid sulfur formulations and chelated sulfur products are gaining traction due to their compatibility with drip irrigation and foliar feeding systems.

• According to the USDA’s Farms & Ranches at a Glance report, 68% of large crop farms used precision agriculture technologies such as yield monitors, soil maps, and automated guidance systems in 2023, up markedly from single-digit rates in the early 2000s. This demonstrates substantial integration of precision tools in large-scale farming.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Type

Sulfur-Bentonite-Zinc Segment Dominated Due to Increasing Demand for Combined Micronutrient Solutions

By type, the global market is segmented into sulfur-bentonite, sulfur-bentonite-zinc, sulfur-bentonite-manganese, sulfur-bentonite-iron, sulfur-bentonite-copper, and others.

The sulfur-bentonite-zinc segment led the global market in 2025, valued at USD 167.29 million, and is projected to be the fastest-growing type, expanding at a CAGR of 9.64% during 2026–2034. The segment growth is supported by rising zinc and sulfur co-deficiencies in intensively cultivated soils and increasing demand for combined micronutrient solutions that enhance yield, protein synthesis, and crop quality, particularly in cereals and oilseeds.

The sulfur-bentonite segment emerged as the second-leading segment in 2025, valued at USD 154.99 million, driven by its high sulfur concentration, slow-release properties, and widespread adoption in sulfur-deficient soils.

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By Form

Powder Segment Led Market Owing to Ease of Handling and Compatibility with Conventional Applications

Based on form, the market is segmented into powder and liquid.

The powder segment dominated the global sulfur-based micronutrients market share in 2025, accounting for USD 352.68 million. Powder formulations are extensively used due to their ease of storage, longer shelf life, compatibility with conventional fertilizer spreaders, and cost-effectiveness, especially in large-scale agricultural operations. They are particularly favored in soil application for cereals, grains, and oilseeds, where bulk nutrient application is required.

The liquid segment is anticipated to register the highest growth rate, expanding at a CAGR of 9.07% over the forecast period.

By Crop Type

Cereals & Grains Led Due to Extensive Cultivation Area and High Sulfur Demand

By crop type, the market is segmented into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others.

The cereals & grains segment dominated the global market in 2025, valued at USD 318.79 million. The segment’s leadership is driven by the vast global acreage devoted to crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and barley, coupled with sulfur’s critical role in protein synthesis, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and yield stability. The increasing focus on improving grain quality and meeting rising global food needs further supports demand for the global sulfur-based micronutrient market.

The oilseeds & pulses segment is projected to be the fastest-growing crop category, expanding at a CAGR of 9.00% from 2026 to 2034.

Sulfur-Based Micronutrients Market Regional Outlook

Regionally, the report covers the global market analysis across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific dominated the global sulfur-based micronutrients market, valued at USD 240.71 million in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 523.00 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.03%. Extensive agricultural land, sulfur-deficient soils, and increasing adoption of balanced fertilization practices drive demand.

China Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

China accounted for approximately USD 94.40 million in 2025, supported by intensive cereal and oilseed cultivation.

India Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

India was valued at USD 82.57 million in 2025, driven by oilseed crop production, soil health initiatives, and government nutrient management programs.

North America

North America was valued at USD 129.87 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 255.85 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.86%. Demand is supported by specialty crops, corn-soybean rotations, and the adoption of precision and sustainable agriculture.

U.S. Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

The U.S. accounted for 80.10% of regional demand, driven by sulfur-responsive crops and advanced nutrient management practices.

Europe

Europe accounted for USD 146.47 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 278.50 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 7.43%. Growth is driven by declining atmospheric sulfur deposition, sustainability mandates, and yield optimization in cereals and oilseeds.

Germany Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

Germany led Europe with USD 29.70 million in 2025, supported by advanced agronomy and precision fertilizer usage.

South America and Middle East & Africa

South America was valued at USD 58.30 million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.56%, driven by soybean and sugarcane cultivation. The Middle East & Africa accounted for USD 29.73 million in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 6.97%, driven by soil fertility challenges and the expansion of commercial farming.

UAE Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

The UAE market was valued at approximately USD 3.67 million in 2025, driven by the country’s strong focus on food security, desert agriculture, and controlled-environment farming. The UAE’s arid climate, saline soils, and alkaline soil pH significantly limit native sulfur availability, making sulfur supplementation essential for nutrient availability, soil conditioning, and crop productivity.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Key Players Focus on Enhanced Efficiency, Crop-specific Solutions, and Sustainability

Leading companies in the sulfur-based micronutrients market are increasingly shifting from commodity-grade sulfur products toward high-efficiency, crop-specific, and sustainability-aligned nutrient solutions to address evolving agronomic, regulatory, and economic pressures. In parallel, manufacturers are expanding controlled-release and slow-oxidation sulfur formulations, including coated elemental sulfur and stabilized sulfate products, to provide a more consistent and season-long sulfur supply.

Key Players in the Sulfur-based Micronutrients Market

 List of Key Sulfur-based Micronutrient Companies Profiled

• Nutrien Ltd. (Canada)
• Yara International ASA (Norway)
• The Mosaic Company (U.S.)
• K+S Group (Germany)
• CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)
• EuroChem Group (Switzerland)
• OCI Global (Netherlands)
• ICL Group Ltd. (Israel)
• Coromandel International Ltd. (India)
• Aries Agro Limited (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• September 2025: Southern Ionics announced a major expansion of its sulfur chemicals production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The USD 34 million investment aims to boost production capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and introduce sodium metabisulfite manufacturing to meet North American demand and reduce reliance on imports.
• March 2025: Coromandel International Limited undertook a significant expansion of its sulfur fertilizer production capacity at its Visakhapatnam facility in Andhra Pradesh, India. The company inaugurated its second sulfur manufacturing plant, doubling its bentonite sulfur fertilizer capacity to 50,000 metric tons annually.
• August 2024: CHS Inc. introduced Trivar as the first of six new products aimed at enhancing crop yields through improved nutrient efficiency. This granular micronutrient fertilizer blend incorporates CHS's patented Levesol chelating agent. Trivar EZ contains essential early-growth nutrients such as calcium, manganese, molybdenum, sulfur, and zinc in a dry granular form.
• June 2022: Sulfur Mills Limited launched two insecticide products, Imara and Judwaa G, at a dealer meet in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Imara is a WDG (water-dispersible granule) formulation containing Fipronil 0.6%, Sulfur 70%, and Zinc Oxide 13% as active ingredients.
• September 2020: Nutrien developed Smart Nutrition MAP+MST, a granular fertilizer blending monoammonium phosphate (MAP) with micronized sulfur technology (MST). This product delivers both phosphorus and sulfur efficiently to crops, addressing declining soil sulfur levels.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global sulfur-based micronutrients market industry report analyzes the market in depth and highlights crucial aspects such as global market trends, market dynamics, prominent companies, investment in research and development, and end-use. Besides this, the report also provides insights into the global market analysis and highlights significant industry developments.

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