Global Polymer Coated Urea Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer and Others.By Application;
Agriculture, Horticulture, Turf and Landscape.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Polymer Coated Urea Market was valued at USD 14,060.71 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 26,710.45 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.6%.
The Polymer Coated Urea Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for polymer-coated urea fertilizer across various regions. In North America, the market is fueled by concerns over nitrogen losses from soybean cultivation, which pose environmental threats. This has led to a heightened demand for polymer-coated urea fertilizer as a more sustainable alternative. Additionally, the proliferation of golf courses in North America has contributed to the rising demand for this type of fertilizer, as it helps maintain grass color and vigor, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of these recreational facilities.
Europe emerges as a rapidly growing market for polymer-coated urea, driven by regulatory initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The European Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan, initiated in 2018, seeks to restrict the usage of microplastics in various products, including artificial turfs. This regulatory push is expected to favor natural grass over artificial turfs, thereby boosting the demand for polymer-coated urea fertilizers in the region. These fertilizers are known for their ability to support healthy grass growth, ensuring vibrant and lush landscapes.
The polymer-coated urea market is characterized by a consolidated landscape, with several global leaders dominating the market share. Key players such as Nutrien Ltd, J.R.Simplot Company, Koch Agronomic Service, Haifa Group, ICL Specialty Fertilizers, and DeltaChem GmbH hold significant market shares. Their strong presence underscores the competitive dynamics within the market, with these players driving innovation and technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the polymer-coated urea segment.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market Recent Developments
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In March 2022, Yara International started growth ventures with Softbank Vision Fund 2 as an investor in leading African agro-marketplace. This will mark the third investment by Yara Growth Ventures in the agriculture marketplace including Agrofy in Latin America and Tarfin in Turkey and Eastern Europe.
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In March 2021, Haifa Group signed an agreement with AgrIOT. According to the agreement with AgriOT, Haifa will invest in AgrIOT for around US$ 2 Mn against nearly 30% of the company and also in global exclusive distribution rights.
Segment Analysis
The global Polymer Coated Urea Market encompasses two primary types: Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer and Other variants. The dominance of Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer stems from its advanced attributes like controlled nutrient release and enhanced plant uptake, contributing to reduced environmental impact. These fertilizers offer a sustainable and efficient approach to nutrient management across agriculture, horticulture, turf, and landscape applications, outperforming traditional urea fertilizers. The market serves diverse sectors including agriculture, horticulture, turf, and landscape maintenance. Agriculture remains the foremost segment, driven by the escalating global population and the imperative to bolster crop yields for food security. Concurrently, horticulture and turf sectors are witnessing steady growth due to increasing demand for ornamental plants, green spaces, and recreational areas. Moreover, the adoption of polymer-coated urea in landscape applications is on the rise due to its capacity to enhance soil health, promote plant growth, and mitigate nutrient leaching and environmental degradation.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Segemnt Analysis
In this report, the Global Polymer Coated Urea Market has been segmented by Type, Application and Geography.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, Segmentation by Type
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, Segmentation by Type into Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer and Other.
Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer stands out as a leading option due to its advanced design, enabling controlled and sustained nutrient release for plants. This variant offers numerous benefits over traditional urea, including reduced nutrient leaching, enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency, and minimized environmental impact. As a result, it finds widespread use across agricultural, horticultural, and landscaping applications. Aside from Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer, the market features various other polymer-coated urea formulations tailored to specific agricultural requirements. These alternate variants may utilize different coating materials or release mechanisms, catering to diverse soil conditions, crop needs, and environmental factors. While Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer remains predominant, the availability of specialized formulations allows farmers and landscapers to select products that best match their individual preferences and agricultural practices. The escalating demand for efficient and sustainable fertilization methods propels the uptake of polymer-coated urea products on a global scale. With Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer leading the market due to its superior performance and eco-friendly attributes, complemented by a range of specialized formulations, the global polymer-coated urea market is poised for continuous expansion across various agricultural and landscaping sectors.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, Segmentation by Application
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, Segmentation by Application into Agriculture, Horticulture, Turf and Landscape.
In agriculture, this product serves a crucial role by delivering nutrients to crops in a controlled and sustained manner, enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency, and minimizing losses due to leaching. This is particularly important in regions with intensive farming practices where optimizing fertilizer utilization is paramount for crop productivity and environmental conservation. Horticulture is another significant area where polymer-coated urea finds extensive use, contributing to healthy plant growth in nurseries, gardens, and greenhouses. Its controlled-release characteristics ensure a steady nutrient supply to ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables, fostering their development and improving overall plant quality. These benefits are highly valued by horticulturists seeking to maintain optimal growth conditions and maximize yields across various horticultural settings. The maintenance of turf and landscapes also relies on polymer-coated urea to provide essential nutrients to grass, turf, and ornamental plants in parks, golf courses, sports fields, and residential landscapes. Its controlled-release mechanism helps sustain vibrant, green lawns and landscapes while minimizing fertilizer runoff and environmental impact. As the demand for well-kept outdoor spaces continues to grow, polymer-coated urea is increasingly utilized in turf management and landscape maintenance practices globally.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Polymer Coated Urea Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Polymer Coated Urea Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America dominates the polymer-coated urea fertilizer market, driven by the increased adoption of advanced fertilizers among corn and cotton farmers. Despite challenging weather conditions in 2019, American corn farmers expanded their harvested area, benefiting from the use of innovative fertilizers like poly-coated variants. The demand for cotton, a significant commercial crop in the region, has also contributed to the growth of polymer-coated urea fertilizers. Adhering to the 4R nutrient stewardship principles, these fertilizers improve nutrient-use efficiency in cotton cultivation. Additionally, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reported a rise in wheat and canola production, further fueling the demand for polymer-coated urea fertilizers in the country.
Europe emerges as the fastest-growing market for polymer-coated urea fertilizers, driven by research highlighting the benefits of controlled-release fertilizers. Studies conducted in Finland have shown that slow-release fertilizers ensure nitrogen availability throughout the crop cycle, particularly beneficial for wheat crops with low grain protein content. The use of controlled-release fertilizers has been found to reduce ammonia volatilization and enhance the photosynthetic rate of maize, indicating potential growth opportunities for biodegradable polymer-coated urea fertilizers. Moreover, the labor-intensive nature of apple production in Western Europe has led to a demand for fertilizers with reduced application cycles, driving the adoption of biodegradable polymer-coated urea fertilizers.
The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture practices and the need for efficient nutrient management are driving the adoption of polymer-coated urea fertilizers globally. North America and Europe lead the market due to favorable agricultural conditions and growing awareness of the benefits of controlled-release fertilizers. These trends are expected to continue, supported by ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of polymer-coated urea fertilizers.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Polymer Coated Urea Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Growing Awareness about Environmental Benefits
- Rising Investment in Research and Development
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Increasing Demand for High-Efficiency Fertilizers: The global market for polymer coated urea is experiencing significant growth due to the rising demand for high-efficiency fertilizers in agriculture. Farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector are increasingly seeking sustainable and effective solutions to boost crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Polymer coated urea has emerged as a viable option to meet this demand, offering controlled-release technology that gradually releases nitrogen over an extended period. This aligns with the principles of precision agriculture and integrated nutrient management, addressing concerns such as nitrogen leaching common in conventional fertilizer applications. By providing a steady and sustained supply of nutrients throughout the crop growth cycle, polymer coated urea enhances nutrient uptake efficiency and reduces the need for frequent fertilizer applications. This not only improves crop yields but also helps mitigate the risk of nutrient runoff and groundwater contamination, addressing significant environmental challenges associated with traditional fertilizers. Moreover, the growing awareness of environmental sustainability and regulatory initiatives promoting eco-friendly fertilizers further drive the demand for polymer coated urea globally. Governments, agricultural agencies, and industry stakeholders are recognizing the benefits of controlled-release fertilizers like polymer coated urea in achieving sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring food security. Consequently, the market for polymer coated urea is poised for continued expansion as farmers and agricultural professionals prioritize high-efficiency fertilizers to address the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.
Restraints:
- Variable Performance in Different Soil Types
- Risk of Nutrient Imbalance
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Limited Availability and Distribution Channels: The global polymer coated urea market faces challenges stemming from limited availability and distribution channels, impeding its widespread adoption. Despite the rising demand for high-efficiency fertilizers, especially in agriculture, access to polymer coated urea products remains constrained, particularly in rural and remote agricultural areas. This constraint is primarily due to insufficient distribution networks and logistical hurdles, resulting in farmers having restricted access to these specialized fertilizers.
The constrained availability of polymer coated urea products serves as a barrier to market expansion, particularly in regions where agricultural infrastructure is underdeveloped. In such areas, farmers often rely on conventional urea fertilizers due to their easier accessibility and lower costs. Furthermore, the lack of awareness and education regarding the benefits of polymer coated urea exacerbates the issue, as farmers may be hesitant to switch to a new product without adequate information or understanding of its advantages. The challenges of limited availability and distribution channels presents opportunities for stakeholders in the global polymer coated urea market. By improving distribution networks and expanding educational outreach initiatives to inform farmers about the benefits of polymer coated urea, accessibility and adoption of the product could be enhanced. Collaborative efforts involving manufacturers, distributors, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies are crucial to address logistical barriers and ensure that polymer coated urea products reach farmers across all regions. Through these measures, the global polymer coated urea market can unlock its full potential and meet the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient fertilizers in agriculture.
Opportunities:
- Growing Adoption of Precision Farming
- Expanding Global Population and Food Security Concerns
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Rising Demand for Sustainable Agriculture: The global market for polymer coated urea is witnessing a notable surge in demand, propelled by the escalating focus on sustainable agricultural practices. With environmental concerns taking center stage, there's a discernible shift towards agricultural solutions that not only maintain or enhance productivity but also reduce ecological impact. Polymer coated urea has emerged as a pivotal player in this landscape owing to its capability to deliver controlled-release nitrogen, thereby optimizing nutrient utilization efficiency and curtailing environmental harm compared to conventional fertilizers. This resonance with broader sustainability objectives underscores its significance in the quest for sustainable agriculture worldwide. Amidst the backdrop of burgeoning global population, the imperative to meet escalating food demands while mitigating environmental degradation has become paramount. Sustainable agricultural practices, including the adoption of polymer coated urea, stand out as linchpins in striking a delicate balance between boosting soil health, curbing nutrient runoff, and abating greenhouse gas emissions linked to agricultural activities. Furthermore, stakeholders spanning the agricultural spectrum - from farmers to agribusinesses and policymakers - are increasingly acknowledging the enduring advantages of embracing sustainable farming methods. This collective awareness fuels the demand for solutions like polymer coated urea, which promise sustainable yield enhancement while minimizing adverse environmental repercussions.
The burgeoning demand for sustainable agriculture is further propelled by regulatory interventions and evolving consumer preferences favoring eco-friendly products. Governments worldwide are instituting policies aimed at incentivizing the adoption of sustainable farming practices and reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural endeavors. Concurrently, consumers are becoming more conscientious about the environmental implications of the products they consume, thereby gravitating towards sustainably sourced food. Against this backdrop, polymer coated urea emerges as an attractive proposition for farmers seeking to enhance crop yields sustainably while concurrently mitigating adverse environmental effects, thus driving its uptake in the global market for high-efficiency fertilizers.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Polymer Coated Urea Market include:
- Nutrien Ltd.
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Koch Agronomic Service
- Haifa GroupHaifa Group
- ICL Specialty Fertilizers
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Polymer Coated Urea Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers:
- Growing Awareness about Environmental Benefits
- Rising Investment in Research and Development
- Increasing Demand for High-Efficiency Fertilizers
- Restraints:
- Variable Performance in Different Soil Types
- Risk of Nutrient Imbalance
- Limited Availability and Distribution Channels
- Opportunities:
- Growing Adoption of Precision Farming
- Expanding Global Population and Food Security Concerns
- Rising Demand for Sustainable Agriculture
- Drivers:
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, By Type, 2023 - 2033 (USD Million)
- Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer
- Others
- Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, By Application, 2023 - 2033 (USD Million)
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Turf and Landscape
- Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, By Geography, 2023 - 2033 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Polymer Coated Urea Market, By Type, 2023 - 2033 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Nutrien Ltd.
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Koch Agronomic Service
- Haifa GroupHaifa Group
- ICL Specialty Fertilizers
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market