Glufosinate Market

Global Glufosinate Market Size

The global glufosinate market size was valued at USD 4.81 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 5.26 billion in 2025 from USD 10.70 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.29% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

Current Scenario of the Global Glufosinate Market

Glufosinate is a water-soluble herbicide widely used to control weeds of different types. Glufosinate is a non-selective herbicide that is highly toxic to non-target plants. Glufosinate is commonly available as an ammonium salt, a naturally occurring broad-spectrum herbicide produced by several species of Streptomyces soil bacteria. The glufosinate is widely used in controlling weeds such as morning glories, hemp sesbania, yellow nutsedge, and Pennsylvania smartweed. The glufosinate is used as directed sprays for weed control and crop desiccation to facilitate harvesting. It is estimated to provide some protection against various plant diseases. The global glufosinate market has accounted for significant growth in the past years and is anticipated to grow substantially during the forecast period. The escalation in the demand for efficient herbicides and the increasing concerns regarding weed growth primarily augment the global market growth.

MARKET DRIVERS

The glufosinate market is currently witnessing a surge in demand driven by the imperative to boost agricultural output to meet the growing global population's food requirements. Farmers are increasingly relying on herbicides like glufosinate to effectively combat weeds and elevate crop yields. Glufosinate's remarkable efficiency has established it as a pivotal component in modern agriculture. With the expansion of agricultural techniques and the cultivation of genetically modified crops, the demand for glufosinate continues to escalate. The adoption of glufosinate-resistant GM crops, notably in soybeans, cotton, and maize, further amplifies its utilization. Moreover, glufosinate is gaining favor among farmers and regulators due to its environmental and health benefits, especially in response to concerns surrounding other herbicides like glyphosate. This growing demand for increased crop production, aligned with a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices, promises a bright future for the global glufosinate market.

The global glufosinate market is growing due to the continuous advancements in formulations. Ongoing research and development efforts are yielding more effective and environmentally friendly glufosinate formulations, enhancing the product's appeal to farmers worldwide. These innovations result in herbicides that are not only highly efficient at weed control but also exhibit reduced environmental impact. Farmers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, and the development of more eco-friendly glufosinate formulations aligns with this trend. These advanced formulations offer improved application methods, reduced residues, and minimized risk to non-target organisms, making glufosinate a more responsible choice for weed management. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, these advancements are poised to drive the global glufosinate market by offering farmers practical tools that meet both their production needs and their sustainability goals.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Environmental concerns are a significant restraint in the global glufosinate market. As there is growing apprehension about the potential harm to non-target plants and wildlife, soil contamination and water pollution have placed herbicides like glufosinate under increased scrutiny and stringent regulations. This heightened awareness of the environmental impact of glufosinate is a key restraint on its market growth. Regulators and environmental organizations are imposing restrictions and guidelines to minimize the ecological footprint of herbicides, which can result in limitations on glufosinate use. Additionally, public perception of environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture is shifting, favoring practices that reduce chemical residues and protect ecosystems. As a result, the glufosinate market faces challenges in addressing these environmental concerns. Companies and farmers are under pressure to adopt more responsible and sustainable weed management practices, potentially leading to decreased reliance on glufosinate and a shift towards alternatives that are perceived as more eco-friendly.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

The rising adoption of advanced agricultural technologies for precise agricultural practice is enhancing the demand for optimized and efficient herbicides, which is projected to provide significant growth opportunities for the glufosinate market. Increased investments in research activities to enhance the innovations in the formulations of bio-based glufosinate and the need for sustainable farming practices are creating market opportunities for market players to expand their revenue. The increased usage of glufosinate in emerging regions such as Asian and African countries is expected to fuel market growth in the coming years. The escalating demand for genetically modified crops is increasing the adoption rate of glufosinate among farmers, thereby augmenting growth opportunities. The wide applications of glufosinate ammonium in both agricultural and non-agricultural fields are propelling market growth opportunities. The increased productivity of agriculture is driving the glufosinate market.

• For Instance, according to data provided by the UK-based public sector information website, the total factor productivity (TFP) of the UK agricultural industry increased by 3.4% between 2021 and 2022.

MARKET CHALLENGES

However, the market growth of glufosinate is not without its challenges. The limited systemic action of glufosinate, which only affects the plant parts directly sprayed, is not effective against perennial weeds, thereby hampering market growth. The effectiveness of glufosinate is also impacted by environmental conditions, where drought stress and temperatures below 10 degrees reduce its effectiveness. Moreover, increased exposure to glufosinate can lead to human intoxication, including gastrointestinal issues, stupor, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and retrograde amnesia. These side effects may hinder the adoption rate of glufosinate among farmers, leading to restricted market growth. The presence of stringent regulations regarding product approvals and utilization methods is also a major challenge for market growth due to high complexity.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

By Crop Insights

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops hold the largest market share and are resistant to glufosinate, which has gained significant dominance in certain regions. This dominance is due to their ability to withstand glufosinate applications, which effectively control weeds while minimizing competition with the crop. GM crops such as glufosinate-resistant soybeans, cotton, and maize have become popular in regions like North America because of the increased use of glufosinate.

Conventional crops, which are second-dominant dominating resisting glufosinate, are still grown in many regions, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, where regulatory restrictions on GM crops are more stringent. These crops rely on various herbicides for weed control.

By Form Insights

Liquid formulations of glufosinate are dominating the market and offer advantages to ease of application and mixing. They are typically used in herbicide spray equipment, making them convenient for widespread use in various crops. The liquid form is often preferred for foliar applications, providing uniform coverage. This versatility in application methods has contributed to the popularity of liquid glufosinate formulations, making them more dominant in certain regions and crops.

Dry forms, such as granules or powder formulations, are preferred in specific situations where precise dosing or a controlled release of the herbicide is required. They are used for soil applications and are well-suited for certain types of crops and specialized farming practices. However, the use of dry forms may require more careful handling and may be less common in some regions, making them a less dominant form in the global glufosinate market.

By Application Insights

The agricultural sector holds the largest market CAGR and is more dominating significant for the glufosinate market. Farmers rely on Glufosinate as a versatile herbicide to effectively control weeds and improve crop yields across various crops, including soybeans, cotton, maize, and more. Its efficacy in weed management has led to widespread adoption, particularly in genetically modified crops engineered to withstand Glufosinate, ensuring more efficient and sustainable weed control practices in agriculture.

Non-agriculture glufosinate is the second dominant due to applications in non-agricultural sectors, including forestry, horticulture, and industrial areas for weed and brush control. In such a sector, glufosinate is used to manage unwanted vegetation. Hence, its use in non-agricultural applications is essential.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America, particularly the United States, has been a dominant region in the global glufosinate market and holds a 36% market share globally. The prevalence of genetically modified crops engineered for glufosinate resistance, such as soybeans and cotton, has driven substantial demand for the herbicide. Additionally, the presence of large-scale commercial farming operations and advanced agricultural practices has increased the market trends for consumers of glufosinate.

Europe has been the second-largest market for glufosinate. However, regulatory restrictions and public concerns regarding herbicide use, including glufosinate, have impacted its dominance. The region's strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices aligns with Glufosinate's ability to efficiently manage weeds with minimal environmental consequences. Stringent regulatory standards in Europe have also contributed to the demand for herbicides with favorable safety and ecological attributes, further propelling the glufosinate market.

The Asia Pacific region holds the third largest share with its vast and diverse agricultural landscape and has seen a growing demand for glufosinate due to the expansion of agriculture and the cultivation of glufosinate-resistant genetically modified crops like cotton and soybeans in countries such as China and India. Asia Pacific's dominance has also been on the rise.

Latin America, particularly countries like Brazil and Argentina, has also witnessed significant growth in the glufosinate market. The adoption of herbicide-resistant GM crops and large-scale agriculture has contributed to the region's prominence.

The Middle East and Africa have shown potential for growth in the glufosinate market due to expanding agricultural practices, but it may be less dominant compared to the other regions. Local agricultural conditions and regulatory factors can influence its market share.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, Dow AgroSciences, Monsanto (acquired by Bayer), Adama Agricultural Solutions, Nufarm, FMC Corporation, UPL Limited, Corteva Agriscience, Sipcam-Oxon, Jiangsu Huangma Agrochemicals, Zhejiang YongNong BioSciences, Nanjing Red Sun Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals, Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd., Rainbow Chemical, Lianyungang Liben Crop Science and Technology Co., Ltd, Are playing a dominant role in the global glufosinate market.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In 2023, Bayer continued to expand its glufosinate herbicide product line, focusing on enhanced efficacy and broader weed control.
• In 2023, BASF introduced glufosinate herbicides with reduced environmental impact and improved safety profiles for both farmers and the environment.
• In 2023, Nufarm enhanced its glufosinate-based herbicide formulations, providing more effective and sustainable weed control solutions for agricultural applications.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global glufosinate market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Crop

• Genetically Modified Crop
• Conventional Crop

By Form

• Liquids
• Dry forms

By Application

• Agriculture
• Non-agriculture

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa