Agricultural Surfactants Market, by Type (Non-Ionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Cationic Surfactants, Amphoteric Surfactants) , by Application (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Others), by Crop Type (Cereals and Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Oilseeds and Pulses, Others) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2031

Segment Overview

The agricultural surfactants market is segmented into type, application, crop type, and region. On the basis of type, the market is classified into non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. By application, the market is categorized into herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and others. On the basis of crop type, the market is fragmented into cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses, and other. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Key Market Dynamics

Increase in demand for food production is expected to boost the growth of the agricultural surfactants market during the forecast period. The shift towards precision farming and modern agricultural techniques further propels the demand for agricultural surfactants. Precision farming relies on accurate and efficient application of agrochemicals, facilitated by surfactants. These substances ensure that the active ingredients of agrochemicals are evenly distributed and remain on the target surface for a longer period, thereby reducing wastage and improving the overall efficiency of crop protection measures. Rise in awareness among farmers about the benefits of surfactants in enhancing the performance of agrochemicals is also contributing to rise in adoption of these products. In November 2022, Corteva Agriscience introduced Kyro herbicide, a new postemergence solution for corn. This innovative product is the first to combine the active ingredients acetochlor, topramezone, and clopyralid in a single premix. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted registration approval for Kyro herbicide, making it available to US corn farmers for the 2023 growing season, subject to individual state registrations.

In addition, the agrochemical industry itself is experiencing growth, driven by the need to increase agricultural productivity and combat various pests and diseases that threaten crops. As the industry expands, so does the market for surfactants, which are integral to the formulation of effective pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Environmental regulations encouraging sustainable agricultural practices are also fostering the development and use of bio-based and eco-friendly surfactants, aligning with global sustainability goals.

However, high cost of agricultural surfactant production is expected to restrain the growth of the agricultural surfactants market during the forecast period. The high cost of production impacts the widespread adoption of bio-based surfactants. Bio-based surfactants, derived from renewable resources, offer environmental benefits over synthetic counterparts but come with higher production costs. These elevated costs are attributed to several factors, including the expense of raw materials, complex manufacturing processes, and the need for extensive research and development. As a result, bio-based surfactants are often priced higher than synthetic alternatives, making them less accessible to cost-sensitive markets.

Increase in demand for organic and bio-based surfactants is expected to provide lucrative opportunities in the market. Organic and bio-based surfactants offer several advantages over their synthetic counterparts, aligning with these evolving market trends. They are derived from renewable resources such as plant oils, sugars, and fatty acids, making them inherently more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, organic and bio-based surfactants often have favorable safety profiles, with reduced toxicity and lower risk of environmental contamination compared to synthetic alternatives. This aspect is particularly significant in organic farming, where strict regulations govern the use of chemical inputs to preserve soil health, biodiversity, and water quality. The compatibility of organic and bio-based surfactants with organic farming standards positions them as attractive options for farmers seeking to maintain organic certification and access premium markets.

Regional Market Outlook

Based on region the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. In North America, agricultural surfactants are extensively used to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. They help in breaking down surface tension, enabling better coverage and penetration of these chemicals onto plant surfaces, thus maximizing their efficacy. In addition, in regions such as the U.S. and Canada, where there are stringent regulations on pesticide usage, surfactants help reduce the overall volume of chemicals needed for effective pest control.

In the Asia-Pacific region, characterized by diverse agricultural landscapes and varying climatic conditions, agricultural surfactants are utilized to address specific challenges faced by farmers. In countries such as China and India, where agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy, surfactants are employed to improve the performance of agrochemicals under varying weather conditions, thereby enhancing crop yield and quality. Moreover, with increasing adoption of precision agriculture techniques in countries such as Japan and Australia, surfactants are integrated into advanced spraying systems to ensure precise delivery of pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing wastage and environmental impact.

Competitive Analysis

Key market players in the agricultural surfactants market include BASF SE, AkzoNobel N.V., Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC, Stepan Company, Evonik Industries AG, Brewer International, DowDuPont Inc., Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC, Clariant International AG, and Huntsman International LLC. Apart from the above-listed companies there are more companies those who deal with agricultural surfactants including Chemorse, Total Connection, Barcelonesa, Nouryon, Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc, Grosafe Chemicals, Argoalliance LLC, and ICL.

Industry Trends

• As per Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, Carbaryl is a widely used insecticide in the carbamate chemical family. It is used in dozens of products; one well-known brand name is Sevin. About 2 million pounds of carbaryl are used every year on 140 agricultural crops. Between 2 and 4 million pounds are used every year in yards and gardens. Thus, the growing popularity of insecticide is expected to boost the agricultural surfactant market.
• In September 2023, Dow, in collaboration with LanzaTech, introduced a readily biodegradable cleaning solution leveraging circular carbon capture technology. Additionally, Dow unveiled its EcoSense 2470 Surfactant, developed in partnership with LanzaTech Global Inc.
• In March 2022, Dow introduced an extension to its VORASURF™ Silicone Surfactants line to meet the increasing demand for improved energy efficiency and sustainable solutions within the rigid polyurethane foam market, particularly targeting spray and construction applications.
• In March 2021, BASF SE signed two distinct partnership agreements to expand its global leading position in the bio-based surfactants and actives market. The strategic alliance with Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd (ACS) includes an equity stake and makes BASF the single largest shareholder. It further entails an exclusive technology cooperation, commercial agreement, and product development for sophorolipids, one class of glycolipids, to address the ever-increasing needs of consumers for sustainable, natural and bio-degradable ingredients and actives.
• In July 2021, Azelis acquired Coseal's agricultural and horticultural surfactant business in South Korea. This acquisition aimed to enhance and accelerate Azelis' growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Parent Market Overview

The surfactants market is segmented on the basis of feedstock, type, end-use, and region. On the basis of feedstock, the market is categorized into bio-based surfactants, biosurfactants, synthetic surfactants, and others. On the basis of type, it is divided into cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. By end use, the market is categorized into household detergents, personal care, institutional and industrial cleaners, food processing, oilfield chemicals, textiles, plastics, paints and coatings, adhesives, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Region wise Asia-Pacific dominated the surfactants market during the forecast period and accounted for one-third of the market share. By end-use, the household detergents segment dominated the surfactants market during the forecast period. The surfactants market is fragmented in nature among prominent companies such as Clariant AG., Evonik Industries AG, Huntsman International LLC, Nouryon, Stepan Company, Lonza Group AG, BASF SE, Croda International Plc, Kao Corporation, and Dow Inc.

Historic Trends of Agricultural Surfactants Market

• In the 1920s the early development of surfactants, particularly soaps and other surface-active agents, laid the foundation for their agricultural use. Farmers began experimenting with soap-based formulations to enhance the efficacy of pesticides and improve their adherence to plant surfaces.
• In the 1970s the focus shifted towards developing surfactants with specific properties tailored for agricultural applications. Emulsifiers, spreaders, and adjuvants were refined to enhance pesticide performance while minimizing environmental impact and health risks.
• In the 1990s environmental concerns grew, and there was a push for surfactants with improved biodegradability and reduced toxicity. This era saw the introduction of more environmentally friendly surfactant formulations, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) -free products.
• In 2000, the development led to the creation of surfactants with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. Formulations evolved to address specific challenges in agriculture, such as improving herbicide penetration through waxy leaf surfaces or reducing pesticide runoff.

Key Sources Referred

• The International Trade Administration
• U.S. Department of Commerce,
• U.S. Department of Energy
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• International Energy Agency

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the agricultural surfactants market analysis from 2024 to 2031 to identify the prevailing agricultural surfactants market opportunities.
• The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the agricultural surfactants market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
• Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
• The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global agricultural surfactants market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.