Glufosinate Market

Glufosinate Market Size:

The global glufosinate market size reached USD 2.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.97% during 2025-2033. The market is witnessing stable growth, mainly driven by escalating demand for effective herbicides, especially in agriculture. In addition, increased adoption of genetically modified crops, strict regulations on alternative herbicides, and advancements in sustainable farming practices further bolster the market's expansion across key regions.

Glufosinate Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is principally driven by the escalating requirement for herbicides because of the increasing demand for efficient weed control in agricultural activities. The heightening adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, which are highly tolerant to this chemical, further bolsters glufosinate market growth. In addition, the restriction or prohibition of various other herbicides, for instance glyphosate, has expanded the opportunity for amplified glufosinate utilization, particularly in regions with stricter regulatory policies. Furthermore, the rising awareness of sustainable agriculture methods is notably prompting the inclination towards glufosinate-based products.
• Key Market Trends: A notable trend steering the global glufosinate market is the continuous research and development activities aimed at enhancing safety as well as efficiency of glufosinate products. The increased adoption of upgraded agriculture technologies, such as precision farming, is supporting the optimized deployment of herbicides, including glufosinate. In addition, the magnifying emergence of organic farming and the intense need for bio-based herbicides are prompting product advancement. Moreover, companies are currently emphasizing on lowering the environmental impact of their products, harmonizing with global sustainability targets.
• Geographical Trends: North America is the largest regional market for glufosinate, primarily driven by the extensive adoption of GM crops, particularly in the U.S. The region profits from robust farming practices and resilient regulatory standards that reinforce the utilization of efficient herbicides such as glufosinate. In addition, the presence of well-established market players and innovations in agrochemical segment contribute to its market dominance. Moreover, the region’s emphasis on elevated crop yields, coupled with magnified resistance against weed, further solidifies North America’s dominant position in the global market.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the glufosinate industry include BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Hebei Veyong Bio-Chemical Co. Ltd (Limin Group Co. Ltd.), Jiangsu Sevencontinent Green Chemical Company Limited, LIER Chemical Co. Ltd., Nufarm, SinoHarvest, UPL Limited, YongNong BioSciences CO. LTD., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Some of the major challenges include strict regulatory prohibition in certain nations and increasing concerns pertaining to environmental impact. Heightening weed resistance to glufosinate also poses as a potential issue to market growth. However, opportunities are observed in the formulation of bio-based glufosinate and the escalating adoption of precision agriculture techniques. Moreover, extending research efforts into herbicide-resistant varieties of crop and propelling need for sustainable farming practices are additional opportunities that market players can capitalize on to improve their foothold.
   

Glufosinate Market Trends:

Increasing Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops

One of the key trends in the global glufosinate market is the increasing cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops. As per industry reports, global area for GM cultivation increased by 1.9% in 2023, reaching 206.26 million. Furthermore, GM crops growth was chiefly driven by South America. Glufosinate is predominantly leveraged in GM crops that are produced to have herbicide-resistant characteristic, such as cotton, corn, and soybean. Moreover, as more nations are gradually approving the commercial utilization of GM crops, the requirement for glufosinate is notably escalating. In addition, the efficacy of this herbicide in controlling a broad range of weeds without causing any damage to the crops establishes it as a preferable choice among cultivators, significantly fueling market expansion and contributing to the positive glufosinate market outlook.

Heightened Emphasis on Sustainable Agricultural Practices

A major emerging trend that is actively steering the glufosinate market is sustainability. As the environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions are intensifying globally, the agricultural businesses and farmers are currently emphasizing on utilizing herbicides that have minimum environmental impact. As a result, glufosinate is rapidly gaining momentum due to its lower residual impacts and excellent biodegradability in comparison to alternative herbicides. As per industry reports, glufosinate has a proven record of 30 years of safe utilization as it remains inactive in soil and is quickly degraded by micro-organisms. Moreover, this herbicide has facilitated the healthy cultivation of more than 100 crops. In addition, it facilitates the no-till farming, a technique that aids the conservation of water and soil. This magnified alignment with sustainable agricultural practices positions glufosinate as a preferred solution in crop markets seeking environmentally friendly weed management.

Innovations in Herbicide Resistance Management

The management of herbicide resistance is a crucial trend shaping the global glufosinate market. With weeds rapidly developing resistance to herbicides, such as glyphosate, farmers are increasingly opting for glufosinate as an efficient alternative. According to a research article published in the journal Agronomy, in April 2023, E. colona, one of the most difficult to control weed, which can lower soyabean yield by 12 to 27kg per hectare, is found to be resistant against glyphosate. Resultantly, this has prompted the adoption of glufosinate. In addition, the ability of glufosinate to control weed species with resistant properties has fueled its extensive usage, especially in regions where resistance is the prime challenge. Moreover, this inclination is encouraging research and development efforts in herbicide development, with major companies emphasizing on enhancing the efficacy of glufosinate and formulating new products to manage resistant while adhering to sustainability.

Glufosinate Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on crop type, formulation type, and application.

Breakup by Crop Type:

• Cereals and Grains
• Oilseeds and Pulses
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Others
   

Oilseeds and pulses accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the crop type. This includes cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, fruits and vegetables, and others. According to the report, oilseeds and pulses represented the largest segment.

Oilseeds and pulses is the leading segment in the global glufosinate market mainly due to their widespread cultivation globally. The escalating demand for oilseed crop, including sunflower, canola, and soyabean, has propelled the demand for herbicides with high efficacy, such as glufosinate. Moreover, such crops profit substantially from glufosinate’s capability to inhibit a broad range of weeds, enhancing both quality and yield. In addition, the heightening cultivation of genetically modified (GM) oilseeds further solidifies this segment’s domination in the global glufosinate market. 

Breakup by Formulation Type:

• Aqueous Suspension
• Liquid
• Suspension Concentrate
• Soluble (Liquid) Concentrate
• Others
   

Soluble (liquid) concentrate holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the formulation type have also been provided in the report. This includes aqueous suspension, liquid, suspension concentrate, soluble (liquid) concentrate, and others. According to the report, soluble (liquid) concentrate accounted for the largest market share.

Soluble (liquid) concentrate is the dominant formulation type in the global market, preferred for its exceptional efficiency and ease of application. This formulation facilitates the easy blending with water, offering homogenous coverage and better crop infiltration. In addition, it is also preferred for its broad-scale farming operations where effective and quick herbicide application is requisite. Moreover, the requirement for liquid concentrates is fueling, chiefly driven by their excellent compatibility with numerous spraying technologies, establishing them as an ideal choice among commercial cultivators as well as farmers.

Breakup by Application:

• Herbicides
• Fungicides
• Desiccant
• Defoliant
• Others
   

Herbicides represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes herbicides, fungicides, desiccant, defoliant, and others. According to the report, herbicides represented the largest segment.

Herbicides account for the largest application segment, principally driven by the accelerating demand for efficient weed management in farming practices. Glufosinate is extensively leveraged as a non-selective variety of herbicide, providing control over a wide spectrum of weeds in numerous crop types, such as pulses, oilseeds, and cereals. Moreover, the amplifying adoption of herbicide is further boosted by its crucial role in countering weed resistance and its efficacy in no-till agricultural practices. In addition, this application segment is expanding significantly as global need for high-yield and sustainable crop production soars.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest glufosinate market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for glufosinate.

North America has emerged as the leading regional market for glufosinate, mainly driven by the widespread cultivation of GM crops, especially in the countries like Canada and the U.S. According to industry reports, the U.S. accounts for the 38% of the global GM crop cultivation. Moreover, five countries grow 91% of total GM crops around the world, including Canada and the U.S. The region’s expansive agricultural sector, combined with elevated utilization rates of herbicides for efficient weed management, fortifies its leadership. In addition, North America’s stringent regulatory standards endorse the usage of glufosinate as a safer alternative to various prohibited herbicides. Furthermore, the escalating awareness regarding sustainable cultivation methods and the presence of major companies further reinforce the region’s position as the dominant regional market.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the glufosinate industry include BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Hebei Veyong Bio-Chemical Co. Ltd (Limin Group Co. Ltd.), Jiangsu Sevencontinent Green Chemical Company Limited, LIER Chemical Co. Ltd., Nufarm, SinoHarvest, UPL Limited, and YongNong BioSciences CO. LTD.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The global market is witnessing intense competition, with several well-established players striving for capturing maximum market share. Such companies are also emphasizing on extension into untapped markets, product advancement, expansion of product applications. For instance, in May 2024, U.S. EPA approved the utilization of INTERLINE herbicide, produced by UPL Ltd., for the oilseed crop Camelina sativa. This approval aided in the expansion of INTERLINE’s application, which contains glufosinate for weed control. Moreover, strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and innovations in herbicide development are prevalent tactics to sustain a competitive advantage. In addition, heavy investment in research and development ventures, especially for sustainable and bio-based herbicide solutions, is amplifying competition. The market remains progressive as companies seek to improve product effectiveness and address the heightening agricultural needs.

Glufosinate Market News:

• In December 2023, BASF developed Liberty ULTRA with GLU-L (glufosinate-L) technology, a new herbicide for glufosinate-tolerant crops. This innovative formulation, which improves weed control effectiveness while minimizing application rates by 25%, is anticipated to solidify the glufosinate market. This new herbicide also offers superior performance in comparison to generic herbicides.
• In February 2024, AMVAC Chemical Corporation announced the receival of federal registration for its new Zalo herbicide, developed using ProLease technology, which will be commercially available in Q2 2024. Zalo is composed of glufosinate and quizalofop and can effectively control the weed growth.

Glufosinate Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the glufosinate market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global glufosinate market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the glufosinate industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.