Sulfur Fertilizer Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Form (Dry and Liquid), By Type (Sulphates, Elemental Sulfur, and Liquid Sulfur Fertilizers), By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, and Oilseeds & Pulses), By Application (Soil Treatment, Foliar, and Fertigation), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global sulfur fertilizer market size was valued at USD 4.89 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.89 billion in 2026 to USD 4.9 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 0.02% during the forecast period.

The global sulfur fertilizer market has been expanding rapidly, driven by the rising demand for increased crop yields, enhanced soil fertility, and nutrient control in agricultural techniques. Sulfur, a vital ingredient for plant development, is involved in protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and nitrogen usage. However, due to reduced sulfur emissions from industrial operations and the increasing use of low-sulfur fuels, sulfur deficits in soil have become more common. This has resulted in a spike in the use of sulfur-based fertilizers in numerous applications across the agriculture sector.

Sulfur fertilizers are used in a variety of crop applications to improve crop quality and production, including cereals, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables. With an increasing global population and increased food security concerns, the agricultural business is under pressure to produce more with fewer resources. This has increased the demand for sulfur fertilizers, which improve crop nutrient absorption and growth efficiency. The market is also impacted by agricultural techniques that favor sustainable farming and organic production.

Sulfur Fertilizer Market Driver

Rising Crop Demand and Soil Deficiencies Fuel the Global Market

The global market is driven by a number of factors, the most prominent of which is the increased need for food production as the world's population grows. Farmers are looking for strategies to improve crop output and quality as agricultural productivity becomes increasingly important in meeting food security concerns. Sulfur, a crucial ingredient for plant growth, aids in the production of proteins, vitamins, and enzymes required for crop development. However, widespread sulfur deficits in soils are becoming more prevalent as a result of reduced industrial emissions and wider use of cleaner, low-sulfur fuels. This deficit has a direct influence on crop production, necessitating the application of sulfur fertilizers to restore soil balance and improve plant nutrient absorption. The increased emphasis on sustainable farming methods has accelerated the use of sulfur fertilizers, which contribute to improved soil health and crop resilience.

Furthermore, the increase in biofuel manufacturing, which necessitates sulfur-rich crops such as oilseeds, has opened up new market potential. Emerging nations, notably those in Asia Pacific, are rapidly embracing sulfur fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity and fulfil local food demand. These factors, together with advancements in fertilizer formulations and growing knowledge of soil nutrient management, are propelling the worldwide sulfur fertilizer market. As farmers look for effective ways to enhance output while maintaining soil health, the demand for sulfur fertilizers is likely to climb significantly.

Sulfur Fertilizer Market Restraint

Strict Regulatory Guidelines and Growing Organic Farming to Hamper the Market Growth

Despite the rising demand for sulfur fertilizers in agriculture, numerous constraints are limiting market growth. One of the primary difficulties is the growing environmental concern about the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, notably sulfur-based products. Excessive use of sulfur fertilizers can cause soil acidification and harm soil microbiology, diminishing long-term soil fertility. This has spurred regulatory organizations in several countries to impose strict limitations on the use of synthetic fertilizers, potentially limiting the broad adoption of sulfur fertilizers.

Additionally, The push for organic farming, as well as the rising trend of employing biofertilizers and natural soil enhancers instead of synthetic fertilizers, are putting market competition under strain. As a result, the sulfur fertilizer business is experiencing challenges that might restrict its expansion, notwithstanding the ongoing demand for nutrient management solutions in agriculture.

Sulfur Fertilizer Market Opportunity

Rising Food Security Concerns to Drive the Market Growth

The global sulfur fertilizer industry is expected to increase as agricultural techniques evolve and the drive toward sustainable farming opens up new prospects. The expanding population is driving up food demand, prompting farmers to use fertilizers that improve crop output and soil fertility. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 60% more food products need to be produced by 2050 to feed an anticipated 9.7 billion people. This figure emphasizes the need for more effective agricultural inputs, such as sulfur fertilizers, to fulfill increasing food demand.

Furthermore, sulfur fertilizers are gaining popularity in sustainable farming techniques since they improve nutrient absorption while fostering healthier soil. Governments throughout the world are progressively encouraging the use of environmentally friendly fertilizers to prevent the environmental impact of agriculture. To promote soil health, the Indian government, for example, has created incentives and rules that encourage the use of balanced fertilizers, including sulfur-based fertilizers. Given India's position as one of the world's top agricultural producers, such activities are projected to expand the regional sulfur fertilizer industry.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of Parent Market
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Regulatory Analysis
• Industry SWOT Analysis
• Key Industry Developments
• Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19

Analysis by Form

Based on form, the market is divided into dry and liquid.

The dry sulfur fertilizers segment holds the largest market share. Dry fertilizers, including granules and powders, are preferred for their long-term effectiveness, ease of storage, and transportation. They are commonly employed in cereal crops, oilseeds, and pulses, where gradual nutrient release promotes long-term crop development. Farmers in developing countries, such as Asia Pacific and Latin America, choose dry sulfur fertilizers as they are cost-effective and suitable for mass application.

The liquid sulfur fertilizers segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast period, particularly in precision agriculture and high-value crops. Their quick nutrient absorption, simplicity of administration, and compatibility with irrigation systems make them suitable for fertigation and foliar application. Liquid fertilizers are especially popular in North America and Europe, where contemporary agricultural practices, including fertigation and foliar feeding, are becoming prominent. Liquid sulfur fertilizers are increasingly employed in fruit and vegetable production, where rapid nitrogen absorption is critical for boosting crop quality and output.​

Analysis by Type

On the basis of type, the market is categorized into sulphates, elemental sulfur, and liquid sulfur fertilizers.

Sulfate-based fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate, are recommended as they are easily absorbed by plants, which makes them the best option for treating sulfur deficits. Sulfates' excellent compatibility with other critical nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, makes them ideal for use in integrated nutrition management, allowing them to maintain their market dominance.

Liquid sulfur fertilizers are becoming more popular as precision agricultural technology advances. Liquid formulations are more efficient in terms of administration and absorption, allowing for more precise nutrient delivery. They are increasingly being employed in high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, where quality and production are essential. The market for liquid sulfur fertilizers is predicted to increase, notably in North America and Europe, where precision agriculture is gaining traction.

Analysis by Crop Type

Based on crop type, the market is fragmented into cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables, and oilseeds & pulses.

The cereals & grains segment constitutes the leading segment, accounting for a large share of sulfur fertilizer demand. This is owing to the high sulfur needs of crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, which are critical to global food security. Sulfur is essential for protein synthesis in several crops, and its application improves production and quality. With increased worldwide demand for grains, this category is projected to continue leading the market.

The oilseeds and pulses segment is a fast-growing segment driven by the rising demand for biofuels and vegetable oils. Sulfur is required for oil content in crops such as soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflowers, making its use vital in this industry. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that biofuel production will expand by 28% by 2027, creating demand for sulfur-intensive crops such as oilseeds. Additionally, pulses benefit from sulfur for nitrogen fixation, which increases crop output.

Analysis by Application

Based on application, the market is subdivided into soil treatment, foliar, and fertigation.

Soil treatment remains the dominant segment, with sulfur fertilizers applied directly to the soil to address sulfur deficiencies and boost crop yield. Soil treatment is commonly used in cereals, grains, and oilseeds as it allows for constant nutrient delivery throughout the growing season. This method is especially popular in Asia Pacific and Latin America, where traditional agricultural practices and large-scale farming are prevalent.​

The foliar segment is a fast growing segment during the forecast period, appreciated for its rapid nutrient absorption and direct distribution to plants. It is especially advantageous during key growth phases when sulfur deficiency signs such as yellowing leaves are visible. Foliar sprays are often employed in high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, where rapid nitrogen absorption can improve crop quality and production. This strategy is gaining hold in North America and Europe, where precision farming and sustainable agricultural methods are growing.

Regional Analysis

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

The Asia Pacific market holds the largest market share. The region is led by large agricultural economies such as India and China. These nations are seeing an increase in sulfur fertilizer consumption as a result of soil sulfur deficits and government attempts to promote balanced fertilization. The Indian government's continuous subsidy programs and soil health measures, as well as China's expanding need for high-yield crops, are significant drivers of regional growth.

North America also has a significant presence in the sulfur fertilizer industry, owing to its considerable cereal and oilseed output. The U.S. is a major consumer, focusing on increasing agricultural yields through effective fertilizer management strategies. Meanwhile, Europe shows consistent growth, notably in nations such as Germany and France, where sustainable agricultural methods and organic agriculture are increasing demand for sulfur-based fertilizer.

Key Players Covered

• Nutrien Ltd. (Canada)
• The Mosaic Company (U.S.)
• Yara International ASA (Norway)
• Coromandel International Limited (India)
• Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) (Israel)
• Koch Fertilizer, LLC (U.S.)
• EuroChem Group AG (Switzerland)
• CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)
• Tessenderlo Group (Belgium)
• Royal Dutch Shell plc (Netherlands)
• K+S AG (Germany)
• Agrium Inc. (Canada)

Key Industry Development

• In February 2024, Yara International, a key player in sulfur fertilizers, collaborated with BASF to invest in research focused on reducing the environmental impact of sulfur fertilizers. This partnership aims to improve nutrient efficiency and minimize sulfur emissions in agricultural practices, with a focus on sustainable farming.
• In October 2023, Nutrien Ltd., one of the world's largest suppliers of fertilizers, announced the strategic acquisition of Agrium's retail business, which strengthened its distribution network for sulfur-based products.