Latin America Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Latin America Crop Protection Chemicals Market Size and Share:

The Latin America crop protection chemicals market size was valued at USD 15,345.6 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 24,060.3 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.60% during 2025-2033. Brazil currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of in 2024. The market is fueled by the growing agricultural industry in the region, which requires efficient crop protection technologies to secure high yields in cereals, oilseeds, and fruits and vegetables. Moreover, expanding export-oriented production and increasing consumer demand for residue-free, high-quality produce encourages farmers to adopt high-level crop protection techniques. These factors are significantly augmenting the Latin America crop protection chemicals market share.

The market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for high-yield crops to support the region’s growing population, which necessitates effective pest and disease management. For example, corn production for the marketing year 2025/26 is projected to reach 131 million metric tons (mmt). Moreover, the expansion of commercial agriculture, particularly in soybean, maize, and sugarcane cultivation, is fueling the adoption of advanced crop protection solutions. Apart from this, rising awareness regarding sustainable agricultural practices and integrated pest management is encouraging the use of bio-based and environmentally friendly chemicals. Also, government initiatives and subsidies aimed at improving farm productivity are increasing chemical adoption. The proliferation of modern irrigation systems, combined with improved logistics and storage infrastructure, is facilitating wider distribution and application of crop protection chemicals.

In addition to this, one of the emerging Latin America crop protection chemicals market trends is the continual technological advancements, including precision agriculture and smart spraying techniques, which are enhancing application efficiency. In July 2025, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), a key member of the CGIAR consortium with a strong presence in Latin American countries, introduced PestDisPlace, an innovative platform set to transform pest and disease monitoring. This innovative tool enables real-time tracking of pest and disease outbreaks by integrating community-based symptom reporting with advanced molecular diagnostics. Additionally, the growth of the food processing and export sectors is creating higher quality requirements for crops. Besides this, increasing incidences of pest outbreaks and plant diseases necessitate reliable chemical interventions. Besides, urbanization and limited arable land are pushing farmers to maximize output per hectare, driving the use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Climate variability is prompting adaptive pest management solutions, while rising agricultural investments by private enterprises are accelerating product penetration.

Latin America Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends:

Growth in the Agriculture Sector

The Latin American agriculture sector has experienced significant expansion, driven by increasing global demand for commodities such as soybeans, maize, and sugarcane. For instance, the share of the agriculture sector in Argentina’s GDP reached 15.7% in 2021, according to an industry report. The industry also accounted for 10.6% of tax revenues in the same year. Governments across the region are implementing supportive policies, including subsidies and investment in modern farming infrastructure, which enhance crop productivity. This expansion has led to a heightened requirement for crop protection chemicals to manage pests, diseases, and weeds effectively. Improved mechanization and adoption of precision agriculture technologies are further boosting yields, necessitating targeted use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Additionally, agricultural exports remain a critical economic driver, encouraging farmers to ensure higher-quality produce through the use of crop protection solutions, thereby contributing to overall Latin America crop protection chemicals market growth.

Expansion of Plant-Based Food Consumption

The surge in consumer preference for plant-based and healthier food products is reshaping crop production practices in Latin America. As per an industry report, the plant-based food market in Latin America reached USD 0.80 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.20 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.20% during 2025-2033. Rising awareness of nutritional benefits and sustainability considerations is driving demand for crops such as legumes, fruits, and vegetables. To meet this growing requirement, farmers increasingly rely on crop protection chemicals to safeguard yields and maintain the quality standards necessary for processed and packaged plant-based foods. Organic and bio-based crop protection solutions are also gaining traction, reflecting an industry shift toward sustainable agriculture. The alignment of crop protection strategies with plant-based food expansion ensures consistent supply chains, mitigates crop losses, and supports the region’s transition toward more diversified and high-value agricultural production.

Urbanization and Limited Availability of Arable Land

Rapid urbanization in Latin America is leading to significant pressure on available arable land, as expanding cities reduce agricultural acreage. According to an industry report, only 6.7% of Brazil’s total land was arable in 2022. Similarly, arable land accounted for only 15.7% of total land in Argentina in the same year. This trend has compelled farmers to adopt more intensive and efficient farming practices to maximize productivity on limited land resources, which is positively impacting the Latin America crop protection chemicals market outlook. Crop protection chemicals play a pivotal role in this context, enabling higher yields per hectare by controlling pests, weeds, and diseases effectively. Precision application techniques, such as foliar sprays and seed treatments, are increasingly used to optimize chemical usage and minimize environmental impact. The combination of urban expansion and restricted farmland is driving innovation in crop protection formulations and technologies, ensuring that agricultural output meets both domestic consumption and export demands without further land encroachment.

Latin America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Latin America crop protection chemicals market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on origin, product type, crop type, form, and mode of application.

Analysis by Origin:

• Synthetic
• Bio-Based

Synthetic crop protection products lead the market based on their high effectiveness, reliability, and wide range of action on pests, diseases, and weeds. They are applied extensively on large-scale cereal, oilseed, and fruit operations to achieve consistent yields and safeguard valuable crops. Their reliability of performance and viability with contemporary mechanized and precision application methods make them essential in intensive agricultural systems. In spite of increasing awareness of the environmental effects, synthetic chemicals are at the center of regional crop protection approaches, underpinning food security, export pressure, and economic stability.

Bio-based crop protection chemicals are slowly but steadily gaining traction in Latin America as environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional synthetic products. Extracted from nature in the form of plants, microorganisms, and minerals, these chemicals provide residue-free pest and disease management. The demand for residue-free produce and sustainable agriculture makes these chemicals appealing to both domestic consumers and export markets. Bio-formulations can be used in combination with synthetic chemicals in integrated crop management practices to minimize dependency on chemicals and sustain crop health and productivity.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Herbicide
• Fungicide
• Insecticide
• Others

Herbicides are a leading segment in the market as they play a vital role in controlling weeds that vie with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Herbicides find wide application on vast cereal, oilseed, and pulse farms to keep productivity high and yields optimal. Proper weed management lowers labor costs and facilitates the mechanized farming culture prevalent in the region. Also, herbicides allow farmers to adopt crop rotation and other eco-friendly farming practices by managing weed growth, thus protecting both short-term production as well as long-term soil quality. Their extensive application highlights their pivotal position in local crop defense strategies.

Fungicides play a critical role in the prevention of crops from a range of fungal diseases, which can have a tremendous effect on yield and quality in Latin America. Fruits, cereals, vegetables, and oilseeds are highly susceptible to infestation by fungi, particularly under humid and tropical conditions. Early use of fungicides maintains crop health, minimizes losses, and ensures regular production for both local and export markets. Their application also enables farmers to have high standards of quality that regulatory agencies and consumer's demand. The need for fungicides is also amplified by the spread of intensive farming that increases disease pressure and necessitates effective protection.

Insecticides are vital in protecting crops from a broad spectrum of insect pests that impact production in Latin America. Pests are known to inflict large-scale damage on cereals, fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds, reducing yield and market value directly. Insecticide use guarantees timely pest management, reducing crop loss and aiding food security. Integrated pest management practices frequently integrate insecticides with cultural and biological practices to ensure ecological stability while ensuring maximum efficiency. With increasing agricultural intensification, insecticides continue to be essential for the protection of high-value crops, minimizing economic losses, and maintaining the overall agricultural production within the region.

Analysis by Crop Type:

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

Grains and cereals constitute the backbone of Latin American agriculture and thus are a leading force in the crop protection chemicals industry. Corn, wheat, and rice are staple crops that occupy large areas under cultivation, demanding round-the-clock protection against insects, diseases, and weeds to ensure excellent yields. Herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides guarantee crop health, ensure food security, and stabilize the income of farms. Considering their significance for both domestic utilization and export, cereals and grains create high demand for efficient crop protection solutions, stimulating innovation and uptake of newer agrochemical products in the region.

Oilseeds and pulses, such as soybeans, sunflowers, and beans, are gaining greater significance in the agricultural economy of Latin America. These crops need specialized crop protection measures to control pests, diseases, and weeds that may impact yield and quality. Herbicides and fungicides are applied extensively for the protection of oilseed and pulse crops, promoting productivity and competitiveness in markets. Increased demand in the domestic as well as export markets has placed these crops on a higher pedestal, prompting farmers to implement integrated protection measures. As a result, oilseeds and pulses help enhance diversification and growth in the crop protection chemicals market of the region.

Fruits and vegetables are a high-value crop sector of Latin American agriculture that is highly vulnerable to pests and diseases, with tomatoes, bananas, and avocados being prime examples. Insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide application by specialized techniques is essential for maintaining quality, yield, and marketability. Domestic consumption and export demand drive the growth of the sector, and the strong demand has established itself for effective crop protection solutions. Furthermore, the increased emphasis on residue-free and sustainable fruits and vegetables has spurred the use of sophisticated and eco-friendly agrochemicals. It therefore makes fruits and vegetables a key player in the crop protection market in the region.

Analysis by Form:

• Liquid
• Solid

Liquid formulations occupy a dominant position in the market as they are easy to use and versatile. Emulsifiable concentrates, solutions, and suspensions are included in liquid formulations that are used because of their even distribution and fast uptake by plants. Liquids are specifically suitable for foliar spraying with their quick effect against pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Their compatibility with contemporary spraying technology, such as mechanized sprayers and unmanned aerial vehicles, improves efficiency in extensive agriculture practices. The capacity to combine liquids with fertilizers and other inputs further boosts their convenience, with them being the first option for promoting crop health and maximizing output throughout the region.

Solid formulations, such as granules, powders, and wettable powders, are equally important in the market. These formulations have the benefits of stability, extended shelf life, and lower transportation costs, allowing them to be used in remote or vast agricultural regions. Solids are typically used on soil or seeds, and they provide slow-release action that provides sustained control against weeds, pests, and disease. Their controlled-release characteristics decrease the frequency of application and thus promote cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly solutions. Consequently, solid formulations continue to represent a critical element of crop protection programs, supplementing liquid products for addressing different regional agronomic requirements.

Analysis by Mode of Application:

• Foliar Spray
• Seed Treatment
• Soil Treatment
• Others

Foliar spray leads the market in 2024 due to its effectiveness, accuracy, and applicability in various crops. This process entails spritzing chemicals onto the leaves of plants, where absorption is quick and immediate action on pests, diseases, and nutrients can be achieved. Foliar application provides even coverage, minimizing wastage over soil-based application, and allows for targeted treatment, which is useful, especially in the extensive farming systems prevalent in countries such as Brazil and Argentina. It is commonly applied for high-value crops like soybeans, sugarcane, corn, and coffee, where intervention on time is imperative for yield protection. Foliar sprays also supplement integrated pest management programs through controlled, repeated treatment without over-reliance on chemicals. The versatility, efficiency, and usability of foliar sprays make them a pillar of crop protection programs throughout Latin America to maintain crop health and productivity.

Analysis by Country:

• Brazil
• Latin America
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Chile
• Peru
• Others

In 2024, Brazil accounted for the largest market share due its extensive agricultural industry and heavy reliance on agrochemicals to ensure crop productivity. The extensive farmland in the country, devoted to leading crops like soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and coffee, requires intensive crop protection practices to control pests, weeds, and diseases efficiently. Brazil is the largest consumer of the region's crop protection chemicals, and thus it is a chief driver of market trends and innovation. Herbicides lead consumption, followed by fungicides and insecticides, respectively, due to the country's orientation toward staple and export crops. In addition, an increased focus on sustainable agriculture has spurred the use of bio-based inputs, complementing traditional chemicals, indicative of a slow movement toward environmentally friendly practice. Brazil's strong domestic demand and its strategic position as an agricultural export hub highlight its role in the market.

Competitive Landscape:

The competition in the market is high and is characterized by innovative, cost-effective, and regulated products. Firms are paying attention to strategic plans like product development, mergers and acquisitions, alliances, and partnerships to consolidate their positions and face the varied agricultural demands of the region. Bio-based and sustainable crop protection solutions innovation is taking center stage, with the stakeholders seeking to balance increased environmental and consumer protection expectations. Price competitiveness and supply chain effectiveness are key drivers of market share, particularly in those nations with extensive agricultural output. Besides that, government policies and integrated pest management practices are also influencing market strategy. As indicated by the Latin America crop protection chemicals market forecast, the market is showing a moderately fragmented competitive structure with many local and international participants competing to strengthen their market presence. Overall, Latin American competitive dynamics are shaped by technology advances, green product offerings, and a strong emphasis on meeting the regional crop protection needs.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Latin America crop protection chemicals market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

• Adama Ltd. (China National Chemical Corporation Limited)
• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• Corteva, Inc.
• FMC Corporation
• Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc.
• Novozymes A/S
• Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
• Syngenta (China National Chemical Corporation Limited)
• UPL Limited

Latest News and Developments:

• August 2025: ADAMA Argentina reported the successful registration of its novel fungicide Maxentis for use on barley and wheat crops. The newly developed fungicide Maxentis is made up of 20% Azoxystrobin and 15% Prothioconazole and combines preventive and curative actions.
• August 2025: Corteva Agriscience officially launched Ligate, a novel herbicide created in Argentina. The innovative solution could potentially offer a substitute for glyphosate, the most popular weed-control herbicide in the world.
• June 2025: Syngenta officially launched its Crestivo herbicide in Brazil at the 24^th Herbishow in São Paulo. The new solution, which offers management of both broadleaf and narrow-leaf weeds, is manufactured as a Soluble Concentrate (SL) that utilizes the unique chemical bicyclopyrone.
• April 2025: FMC Corporation successfully secured authorization for its Fidresa fungicide in Argentina, representing a significant step forward in fluindapyr's international commercialization. With this registration, Argentine cereal farmers will gain access to a potent new defense against recurring disease risks such as leaf spots and leaf scald.
• February 2025: UPL officially launched its Thunder herbicide in Brazil at the Show Rural Coopavel 2025. The groundbreaking molecule asulam is used in the formulation of Thunder, which is currently in the last stages of registration.

Latin America Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Latin America crop protection chemicals market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Latin America crop protection chemicals market.
• 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 crop protection chemicals industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.