Specialty Pesticides Market Size, by Product Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Others); Formulation; Application - Growth Trends, Regional Share, Competitive Intelligence, Forecast Report 2025-2037

Specialty Pesticides Industry - Regional Synopsis

North America Market Statistics

North America specialty pesticides market is expected to account for revenue share of around 36.8% by 2037. The agricultural industries in the U.S. and Canada are highly established, and pesticides are widely used to safeguard crops. Several major pesticide producers, such as BASF SE, have headquarters in the region and invest extensively in R&D for novel products. North American farmers are open to innovative pest management techniques. This enables enterprises to easily pilot and deploy new formulas. The regulatory environment allows for timely approvals, supporting the introduction of new products consistently.

In the U.S., growing demand for high-value crops, stricter environmental regulations, and the rise of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Farmers and businesses are adopting targeted pesticide solutions to enhance crop protection while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the expansion of commercial landscaping, golf courses, and turf management is driving demand for specialized pesticides and fungicides. The shift toward organic farming and sustainable agriculture has also boosted the use of biopesticides. Also, increased consumption of organic food is expanding the specialty pesticides market in the nation.

The USDA reported that since the beginning of the organic food industry's retail sales, the most popular category of organically cultivated food has been fresh fruits and vegetables. Over the previous 20 years, there has been a consistent increase trend in the retail sales of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, with an expected USD 19.2 billion in 2021 (NBJ, 2022). In 2021, 40 percent of U.S. organic food sales were in produce, followed by dairy and eggs (13 percent), beverages (12 percent), packaged/prepared foods (11 percent), bread/grains (9 percent), snack foods (6 percent), condiments (5 percent), and meat/fish/poultry (4 percent), according to the Nutrition Business Journal.

In Canada, climate change is contributing to the proliferation of pests, necessitating advanced and eco-friendly pesticide solutions. The most used herbicide in Canada is glyphosate, which is crucial for controlling weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural areas. Glyphosate-containing products are used to eradicate poisonous plants including poison ivy and invasive weeds. Moreover, technological advancements, including bio-based and precision-targeted pesticides, are also fueling specialty pesticides market growth, as farmers and landscapers seek safer, more efficient alternatives that align with IPM practices.

APAC Market Analysis

Asia Pacific specialty pesticides market is expected to grow at a significant rate during the projected period. In nations such as China and India, agricultural production has greatly grown as a result of rapid population expansion and rising wages. This has increased the requirement for efficient pest and disease management to lower crop losses before and after harvest.
Many Asian countries have tropical climates, which increases the vulnerability of crops to insect infestations. Through technical partnerships with global leaders, regional agrochemical producers are continuously expanding their product lines. Additionally, governments have offered financial aid for the purchase of imported agricultural inputs. Even smallholder farmers are using agrochemicals widely owing to the availability of inexpensive generic versions.

In India, with the rise in horticultural and cash crop cultivation, farmers are shifting towards advanced pesticides that offer higher efficiency with minimal environmental impact. The emergence of resistant pests as a result of excessive use of generic pesticides has led to greater reliance on specialty formulations. India's rapidly growing population is the primary driver of the sector. This is further supported by the growing income levels in both rural and urban areas, which have helped to raise the demand for agricultural products nationwide. Additionally, the expansion of contract farming, growing exports of agricultural produce, and government support for modern farming techniques further fuel demand. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) revealed that in 2024–25, India exported USD 4.34 billion worth of agricultural and processed food items (April–May).

Source: Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Furthermore, as China transitions towards modern farming practices, farmers are investing in advanced crop protection solutions to improve yields and quality. The expansion of horticulture, floriculture, and organic farming further drives the need for targeted pesticides. Additionally, stringent regulations on conventional agrochemicals and the emergence of bio-based alternatives are pushing the adoption of specialty chemicals. The Sino-German Agricultural Center highlighted that China's organic food and agriculture industry has overtaken major international manufacturers and marketplaces in recent decades. As of 2023, 2.9 million hectares of China's arable land were certified organic, compared to just 4,000 hectares in 2000. At present, China is the country with the fourth largest area of certified organic agricultural land or agricultural land under conversion behind Australia, India, and Argentina.