Agricultural Surfactants: Introduction
- Surfactants are also known as surface-acting agents. These reduce surface tension of water. Surfactants help famers use pesticides more efficiently. Agricultural surfactants are blended with agrochemicals to improve the spread of spray droplets on the surface of leaves and maximize the duration of spray droplets. They enrich the proficiency of pesticides.
- Surfactants are also used in herbicides. These are similar to household cleaning and personal care products (including hand wash).
Key Drivers and Restraints of Agricultural Surfactants Market
- Increase in adoption of precision farming and rise in need to protect crops from pests are anticipated to fuel the demand for agricultural surfactants
- Increase in demand for green solutions is anticipated to propel the global agricultural surfactants market. However, strict regulations levied by various countries on the use of synthetic surfactants inhibit the market.
- Rise in usage of bio-based surfactants and increase in development of cost-effective pesticides are expected to create opportunities for the global agricultural surfactants market
Agricultural Surfactants Market: Segments
- The global agricultural surfactants market can be segmented based on type, application, substrate type, crop type, and region
- In terms of type, the global agricultural surfactants market can be divided into non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, and cationic. The non-ionic segment is projected to hold large share of the market during the forecast period. Non-ionic surfactants are widely used in agriculture surfactants as these are good dispersing agents and have low toxicity to animals and plants. Non-ionic agriculture surfactants are primarily used in herbicide spray solutions.
- Based on application, the agricultural surfactants market can be classified into herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and others. The herbicides segment accounted for major share of the agricultural surfactants market in 2020.
- Based on substrate type, the global agricultural surfactants market can be bifurcated into synthetic-based and bio-based. Synthetic-based agricultural surfactants are derived from petroleum-based products. Most agricultural surfactants available in the market are synthetic-based. Hence, the synthetic-based segment accounted for major share of the market in 2020. The segment is anticipated to continue to dominate the global agricultural surfactants market during the forecast period.
- Based on crop type, the global agricultural surfactants market can be classified into cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables, and others. The cereals & grains segment can be sub-segmented into corn, wheat, and others. Herbicides are majorly used to protect cereals & grains. Wide application of agricultural surfactants in cereals and grains is the key factor driving the global agricultural surfactants market.
COVID-19 Impact on Agricultural Surfactants Market
- Emergence of the new COVID strain in many developed and developing countries has adversely affected the health care infrastructure. Hospital staff, medicines, oxygen beds, and ventilators are in short supply. Supply chains are facing disruptions, leading to disturbances in production activities in many countries. This is adversely affecting the global agricultural surfactants market.
- On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Originating in China, the virus has spread to at least 213 countries and territories around the world.
North America to Dominate Agricultural Surfactants Market
- In terms of geography, the global agricultural surfactants market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
- North America is estimated to constitute major share of the global agricultural surfactants market due to the presence of key manufacturers such as BASF and Huntsman Corporation in the region. The agricultural surfactants market in Latin America is projected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period due to the increase in production of surfactants in Brazil and Argentina.
- The agricultural surfactants market in Europe and Asia Pacific is estimated to expand at a considerable pace during the forecast period
- The agricultural surfactants market in Middle East & Africa is estimated to expand at a sluggish pace during the forecast period
Key Manufacturers Operating in Global Agricultural Surfactants
- The global agricultural surfactants market was consolidated in 2020. Major players have prominent presence in developed and developing countries. Key manufacturers operating in the global agricultural surfactants market include:
- BASF
- Akzonobel
- Evonik Industries
- Solvay
- Huntsman Corporation
- Clariant
- Helena Chemical Company
- Nufarm
- Croda International
- Stepan Company
- Wilbur-Ellis Company
Global Agricultural Surfactants Market: Research Scope
Global Agricultural Surfactants Market, by Type
- Non-ionic
- Anionic
- Amphoteric
- Cationic
Global Agricultural Surfactants Market, by Application
- Herbicides
- Fungicides
- Insecticides
- Others
Global Agricultural Surfactants Markets, by Substrate Type
- Synthetic-based
- Bio-based
Global Agricultural Surfactants Markets, by Crop Type
- Cereals & Grains
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Others
Global Agricultural Surfactants Market, by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia & CIS
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
