Pesticides Market Outlook:
Pesticides Market size was valued at USD 108 billion in 2024 and is set to exceed USD 147.35 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at over 5.5% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of pesticides is estimated at USD 113.94 billion.
The major primary growth drivers behind the global pesticides market are the increased requirement for crop protection against increasing food security issues. Global pesticide use, as per FAO data, increased to approximately 3.71 million tons of active ingredients in 2022, up by 14% over the last decade and twice the level since 1990. Herbicides lead with almost 1.95 million tons, followed by fungicides and insecticides, each less than 1 million tons. Intensity per hectare increased from 1.8 kg (1990) to 3.8 kg in 2022 across cultivated land. This increased usage is aligned with the necessity of maintaining production, especially with arable land expansion flattening, requiring output gain through yield protection. WHO affirmation confirms this, correlating pesticide use with increased cropping cycles and an increase in developing nations, where around 80% of the production increment is through gain over land expansion.
Raw material supply of active ingredients originates primarily from Asia-Pacific production hubs, which are the source of over half of the formulated products. In 2022, Asia led exports by volume (≈3.6 Mt) and value (USD 21.8 billion). The value of international pesticide trade amounted to approximately USD 48.9 billion in 2022. The United States' export infrastructure supported shipments to more than 81 markets worldwide, with India, Peru, and Brazil together representing 68% share. Producer price index (PPI) and consumer price index (CPI) of pesticides move directionally in synchronization with aggregate agricultural-chemical indexes. For instance, USDA references a consistent annual growth in US agrochemicals' PPI of 2–4% from 2014 through 2022. In addition, assembly-line expansion is substantiated in USDA and FAO publications presenting capacity increases in primary production regions.
Pesticides Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth drivers
-
Increasing global food demand and agricultural intensification: World food demand is the major driver of demand for pesticides, spurred by projected population growth, which is expected to take the world to nearly 10 billion by 2050. This is expected to require more agricultural productivity, mainly in the guise of intensified crop protection. FAO indicates that worldwide use of pesticides rose by more than 14% in the last ten years, with the amount of active ingredient consumed being more than 3.8 million tons per year. Herbicides remain the leading category, accounting for more than 51% of worldwide use, and this indicates their role in weed management and yield protection.
-
Regulatory evolution and sustainable innovation: Stringent regulations concerning environmental protection and human health are revolutionizing pesticide formulation and use. The European Union's Sustainable Use Directive is a recent example that mandates a 51% reduction in chemical pesticide use by 2030 and encourages the use of biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM). The policy is expected to drive a transition towards green products, driving innovation in bio-based pesticides, which are already growing more than 10% a year compared to synthetic versions. The innovations not only enable regulatory compliance but also drive sustainable expansion, with the worldwide market for biopesticides expected to hit USD 13 billion in 2030, driven by growing adoption in the Asia-Pacific and North America.
1. Pesticides Market: Trade Dynamics
Trade Dynamics (2023-2024)
|
Metric |
2023 Data |
2024 Data |
Top Trade Corridors |
Key Drivers |
|
Total Trade Volume |
4.8 million metric tons |
5.1 million metric tons (+6%) |
China → Brazil, U.S. → Mexico |
|
|
Herbicides Share |
48% of traded pesticides |
50% (+2pp) |
India → Vietnam, Germany → France |
|
|
Fungicides Growth |
+8% YoY |
+10% YoY |
Spain → Morocco, China → Indonesia |
|
|
Neonicotinoid Bans Impact |
EU imports ↓15% since 2022 |
Further 10% decline expected |
Shift to Brazil/India for alternatives |
|
|
Top Exporters |
China (32%), U.S. (18%), Germany (12%) |
China to gain share (+3%) |
China → LATAM, U.S. → Canada |
|
|
Top Importers |
Brazil (22%), France (9%), India (8%) |
Brazil to remain #1 |
Brazil imports 60% from China |
|
Competitive Landscape — Top 10 Pesticide Exporters & Pesticides Market Shares (2023)
|
Company |
Country |
Export Value (USD Billion) |
Pesticides Market Share (%) |
Strategic Initiatives & Notes |
|
Syngenta |
Switzerland |
12.5 |
10.6 |
Acquisition of Adama, expansion in Asia-Pacific |
|
Bayer CropScience |
Germany |
11.3 |
9.6 |
Focus on biopesticides, R&D in digital agriculture. |
|
BASF |
Germany |
10.9 |
9.3 |
$10B investment in Guangdong province, China expansion |
|
Corteva Agriscience |
USA |
9.7 |
8.2 |
Sustainable packaging, AI-driven crop protection tools |
|
FMC Corporation |
USA |
6.9 |
5.9 |
Innovation in seed treatment and biopesticides |
|
UPL Ltd |
India |
5.8 |
4.2 |
Strategic acquisitions in Latin America and Africa |
|
Adama Agricultural |
Israel |
4.8 |
4.2 |
Integrated pest management (IPM) solutions |
|
Nufarm |
Australia |
4.3 |
3.5 |
Expansion into emerging markets |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
Japan |
3.8 |
3.4 |
Strong R&D in fungicides and insecticides |
|
Dow Chemical |
USA |
3.8 |
3.2 |
Expansion into sustainable packaging and eco-friendly formulations |
Strategic Recommendations for Pesticides Market Positioning
|
Strategic Focus |
Description |
Benefits |
|
Digital Supply Chain |
Implement AI-powered forecasting, blockchain for transparency, and IoT-enabled logistics |
Reduce costs by 15%, improve delivery speed |
|
Strategic Partnerships |
Collaborate with local distributors, agritech startups, and governments in emerging markets |
Accelerate market entry and regional adaptability |
|
Expansion in High-Growth Regions |
Target India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa with tailored formulations and pricing |
Capture 7-10% higher growth rates |
|
R&D Investment |
Focus on bio-based pesticides, precision application tech, and sustainable formulations |
Maintain a competitive edge and meet regulatory standards. |
|
Sustainability Programs |
Develop carbon-neutral production processes, sustainable packaging, and circular economy initiatives. |
Appeal to ESG-conscious investors and customers |
2. Emerging Trade Dynamics and Future Pesticides Market
Global Pesticides Import & Export Values by Country (USD Billion)
|
Year
|
USA (Exports) |
China (Exports) |
Germany (Exports) |
India (Exports) |
USA (Imports) |
China (Imports) |
Germany (Imports) |
India (Imports) |
|
2019 |
8.8 |
10.3 |
6.6 |
3.9 |
9.4 |
8.2 |
7.1 |
4.2 |
|
2020 |
7.7 |
9.6 |
5.7 |
3.3 |
8.4 |
7.5 |
6.2 |
3.9 |
|
2021 |
8.8 |
10.9 |
6.9 |
4.1 |
9.2 |
8.8 |
7.3 |
4.8 |
|
2022 |
9.5 |
11.6 |
7.2 |
4.6 |
9.9 |
9.6 |
7.6 |
4.8 |
|
2023 |
9.9 |
12.2 |
7.5 |
4.5 |
10.2 |
10.3 |
7.9 |
5.2 |
Key Trade Routes and Shipment Volumes (Thousand Metric Tons)
|
Route |
2019 Volume |
2020 Volume |
2021 Volume |
2022 Volume |
2023 Volume |
|
Japan → Asia-Pacific |
421 |
361 |
411 |
461 |
481 |
|
Europe → North America |
511 |
431 |
491 |
541 |
571 |
|
China → Africa |
331 |
291 |
311 |
351 |
381 |
|
USA → Latin America |
291 |
251 |
281 |
321 |
341 |
Challenges
-
Environmental and health concerns: Advancing scientific understanding has established a connection between conventional pesticides and negative impacts on biodiversity, including bee and pollinator mortality, as well as human health risks from exposure to toxic chemicals. Governments worldwide have responded by tightening controls on toxic substances, increasing residue levels, and banning some active substances. This heightened priority requires manufacturers to spend enormous sums on development to reformulate to meet compliance and consumer acceptability for safer, bio-based substitutes. As vital as they are, these reforms drive up cost, delay time-to-market, and restrict access to certain effective yet troublesome chemicals.
-
Raw material supply chain disruptions: Pesticide value chains are highly reliant on raw materials being supplied from Asia-Pacific, and increasingly China and India, which have a stronghold on producing active ingredients. Geopolitics in the shape of export controls and trade wars intermittently disrupted supply chains with attendant shortages of material and price volatility. The COVID-19 pandemic only revealed more weaknesses, with lockdowns, transport bottlenecks, and labor shortages slowing deliveries and driving logistics costs up. Interruptions lead to higher production costs, uneven supplies, and inventory problems, affecting the ability of manufacturers to satisfy demand promptly and keep prices stable.
Pesticides Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
5.5% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 108 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 147.35 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Pesticides Market Segmentation:
Product Type Segment Analysis
The herbicides segment is expected to hold nearly 52% of the market share by product type in 2037. Herbicides dominate the pesticides market by the critical role they play in weed management in big crops such as grains, cereals, and oilseeds. Herbicides account for more than half of the world's consumption of pesticides, with growing usage in intensive production areas such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Segment growth is prompted by growing demand for high-productive farming and regulation on precision application to limit environmental footprint. Moreover, developments in selective chemistries have enhanced crop safety, driving farmer preference and solidifying herbicides' pesticides market leadership.
Formulation Type Segment Analysis
The liquid formulation, including emulsifiable concentrates (EC), soluble liquids (SL), and suspension concentrates (SC), is anticipated to hold the maximum percentage share of around 23% by 2037. Liquid formulations are favored because of increased coverage, convenience, and use on a broad spectrum of crop species and application methods. USDA industry journals have put liquid products at around two-thirds of pesticide sales globally in 2023, after increases in sprayer mechanization and precision farming regimes. Innovative advancements toward formulations with enhanced stability and ecological safety have also increased pesticides market penetration. Liquid products also facilitate rapid uptake and efficient control of pests, which is consistent with growers' requirements for rapid action and efficient protection of crops.
Our in-depth analysis of the global pesticides market includes the following segments:
|
Segment |
Subsegment |
|
Product Type |
|
|
Formulation |
|
|
Application |
|
|
Crop type |
|
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Pesticides Market - Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific Market Insights
The APAC market is projected to collectively account for a total of approximately 44% of the global pesticides market revenue by 2037, headed predominantly by China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Government and private capital exceeding $6 billion annually across APAC has been invested, driven by policies promoting sustainable agriculture, chemical safety, and innovation. The region has recorded a total average growth rate of 5.9% over the period 2018-2024, supported by strong fungicides and bio-pesticides sub-segments. APAC's supply base is supported by its geographically dispersed domestic production hubs, with nations like China and India producing over 66% of regional raw materials for pesticides.
China is expected to contribute roughly 31% of APAC's business in the market for pesticides by 2037 and is expected to be the biggest market in APAC. China has been making over ¥4 billion (approximately $451 million) annually available to invest in sustainable agriculture initiatives, including the "Green Agricultural Development Plan" that promotes reducing pesticide usage and bio-pesticide utilization. Based on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, from 2018 to 2023, per-hectare application of pesticides fell by 19% owing to more stringent regulations and farmer education. Additionally, China invested $1.3 billion in 2024 in cutting-edge agrochemical manufacturing technology for scale-up and export capacity. Apart from this, the country also has local production on a large scale, and raw materials for pesticides are imported over 61% locally, which is weakening the risks to the supply chain.
India is expected to contribute approximately 12% of the world's pesticides market revenue for pesticides by 2037 due to growing demand for food and government promotion of sustainable farming. The Ministry of Agriculture is spending almost ₹5,100 crore annually on integrated pest management schemes and promoting bio-pesticides as part of the "National Action Plan on Pesticide Management.". Indian pesticide consumption rose between 2020 and 2024 at a 6.6% average annual rate, reflecting expanding areas under cultivation and enhanced pest control practice awareness. Close to 71% of India's needs are met by domestic production, supported by over $500 million of capacity additions in production between 2022-2024.
Asia-Pacific (APAC) Pesticides Market Summary Table
|
Country |
Projected Market Share (2037) |
Key Government Initiatives & Programs |
Notable Statistics & Funding |
|
China |
31% |
- Green Agricultural Development Plan |
- ¥4 billion (~$450M) annual investment in sustainable agri |
|
India |
12% |
- National Action Plan on Pesticide Management |
- ₹5,100 crore annual funding |
|
Japan |
4% |
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) sustainable chemical initiatives |
- Strong emphasis on bio-pesticides and precision agri |
|
South Korea |
2% |
- Government grants for eco-friendly pesticides |
- Growing market with 6% CAGR |
|
Southeast Asia |
5% |
- ASEAN harmonization of pesticide regulations |
- Diverse market with strong growth potential |
|
Australia |
1% |
- Department of Agriculture biosecurity and sustainability programs |
- Funding for sustainable pesticide R&D ~$51M |
|
Rest of APAC |
1% |
- Varied regulatory and sustainability efforts |
- Small-scale pesticide use; growing focus on safe application practices |
North America Market Insights
The North American pesticides market is expected to generate 27% of the revenue in the global market for pesticides in 2037. The North American pesticides market is characterized by persistent growth driven by precision agriculture adoption, government emphasis on environmental protection, and bio-pesticide innovation. The EPA estimates that a range of 13% of the federal funds granted towards chemical industry programs is allotted for pesticide regulation and sustainable chemical innovation. Through initiatives like the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), the EPA fosters pesticide risk reduction that aligns with market demand for safer alternatives.
The United States is expected to gain about 23% of the global pesticides market by the year 2037 and be the largest North American market. The EPA invests over $200 million annually in pesticide safety, sustainable use, and environmental protection-related regulation and research. The Agrochemical Environmental Stewardship Initiative, promoted by the EPA-USDA, aims to promote Integrated Pest Management practices. Compared to the expected amount requested by main crop industries, the usage of pesticides has increased by 16% since 2020The United States invests approximately 9% of its more than $25 billion in the chemical industry in manufacturing technology advancements that optimize chemical syntheses and materials handling needed for agrochemicals, such as those used in the production of gallium arsenide wafer.
Canada is projected to register roughly 4% of the worldwide pesticides market revenue by 2037, with the imposition of stringent government controls on chemical security and ecological sustainability. Through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), C$51 million annually is being spent on pesticide risk assessment and management to reduce environmental and human risk. The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) provides funds that have been utilized to fund over 151 alternative safer pesticides programs and waste disposal optimization programs since the year 2019. Green chemistry process expenditure is around 21% of agrochemical R&D spend, which adds to competitiveness in bio-pesticides and crop protection integration. Additionally, Canada's regulatory environment has lowered pesticide residues in food by 26% since 2018, a testament to the effective use of safer formulation and stronger control.
Europe Market Insights
Europe is expected to share approximately 18% of the revenue that the global pesticides market is expected to generate by 2037, with the main drivers being Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The product market has also seen impacts from stringent environmental safeguards and further agricultural sustainability under the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal, which aim at a 51% reduction in the use of pesticides by 2030. Additionally, the European Commission alone paid out over €2 billion in 2023 for research and innovation under the Horizon Europe program to support low-risk and biological products for the replacement of conventional pesticides. Germany leads within the region with a pesticide pesticides market share of around 5.3%, followed by France at 4.2%. Meanwhile, the EU Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive requires the use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques within member states, reducing synthetic pesticide sales by 13% from 2020 to 2023 (Eurostat).
Comprehensive Europe Pesticides Market Summary Table (2037 Outlook)
|
Country |
Projected Market Share (2037) |
Key Government Initiatives & Regulations |
Notable Statistics & Investments |
|
Germany |
5.3% |
- National Action Plan for Sustainable Use |
- €180M in sustainable pesticides R&D (2022–2024) |
|
France |
4.2% |
- Ecophyto Plan II+ |
- 51% reduction target in pesticide use by 2030 |
|
Spain |
2.8% |
- National Strategy for Plant Protection Products |
- 19% of farmland is certified organic |
|
Netherlands |
2.3% |
- Circular Agriculture Agenda |
- €70M in AI/precision spraying R&D |
|
Italy |
1.6% |
- National Action Plan (PAN) for Agrochemical Reduction |
- Multiple high-toxicity actives banned |
|
Poland |
0.9% |
- Compliance with the EU Sustainable Use Directive |
- 8% annual growth in pesticide imports |
|
Denmark |
0.5% |
- Pesticide Load Reduction Program |
- 16% CAGR in bio-pesticide usage since 2019 |
|
Austria |
0.4% |
- Organic Action Plan |
- Over 27% of farmland is under organic cultivation |
|
Rest of Europe |
0.7% |
- EU regulatory compliance and national biodiversity programs |
- Mixed adoption patterns, growing demand for IPM, biocontrols, and sustainable practices |
Key Pesticides Market Players:
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The pesticides market is increasingly dominated by a few large global firms—Bayer leads with ~25%, followed by BASF (12%), Syngenta (10%), FMC (7%), and Corteva (6%). These leaders combine deep portfolios in herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and biologicals with heavy R&D investment: Bayer dedicates 12% of its R&D to RNAi pesticides, while BASF commits 9–10% of sales toward innovation. Strategic initiatives include BASF’s proposed IPO to bolster Asia investment, Corteva’s acquisition of biological firms, and UPL’s global expansion. Japan’s Sumitomo and Nippon Soda continue leveraging their advanced chemistries to capture niche market segments, reinforcing the competitive intensity of the landscape.
Here is a list of key players operating in the global pesticides market:
|
Company |
Country of Origin |
Market Share (%) |
|
Bayer CropScience (Monsanto) |
Germany |
26% |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
13% |
|
Syngenta |
Switzerland |
11% |
|
FMC Corporation |
United States |
8% |
|
Corteva Agriscience |
United States |
7% |
|
UPL Limited |
India |
6% |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
Japan |
xx% |
|
Nufarm |
Australia |
xx% |
|
ADAMA Agricultural Solutions |
Israel |
xx% |
|
Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical |
China |
xx% |
|
American Vanguard Corporation |
United States |
xx% |
|
Nufarm Limited |
Australia |
xx% |
|
Cheminova |
Denmark |
xx% |
Here are a few areas of focus covered in the competitive landscape of the pesticides market:
Recent Developments
- In February 2025, Syngenta Group announced the completion of its $310 million investment in its biologicals innovation center in Switzerland, focusing on microbial and RNA-based crop protection technologies. The facility is expected to accelerate biopesticide development for global pesticides market, with Asia-Pacific and Latin America identified as priority regions for launch.
- In July 2024, Bayer AG confirmed a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to co-develop bio-pesticide solutions targeting pest resistance in maize and soybean crops across Africa and South Asia. The project aims to deliver low-toxicity formulations by 2027 and aligns with Bayer’s $5 billion global R&D pledge for sustainable crop protection.
- Report ID: 7865
- Published Date: Jul 07, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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