Market Summary

The global Ammonium Sulfate market size was valued at USD 28.50 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 46.00 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.30% from 2026 to 2033. Increasing global food demand and the depletion of soil sulfur are driving the adoption of sulfur-based fertilizers, which directly supports the consumption of ammonium sulfate in the global agricultural market. And the growth of caprolactam production, in which ammonium sulfate is produced as a by-product, ensures that it is produced at an affordable cost

Market Size & Forecast

• 2025 Market Size: USD 28.50 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 46.00 Billion
• CAGR (2026-2033): 6.60%
• North America: Largest Market in 2026
• Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing Market

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Key Market Trends Analysis

• The North America market shows a stable demand environment driven by mechanized farming practices, well-established fertilizer distribution channels, and integrated chemical production. Government regulations regarding fertilizer use and environmental compliance influence demand trends while ensuring a stable demand environment for agricultural and industrial fertilizer use.
• The United States drives the regional demand environment because of large-scale corn and soybean farming, sulfur-deficient soil regions in various states, and the presence of sophisticated precision farming technology that supports granular fertilizer use and industrial consumption.
• The Asia Pacific region leads the global demand environment because of large-scale agricultural production, high population density, and growing domestic chemical production, especially in China and India, where the demand for fertilizers is driven by strong government-supported agricultural programs.
• The strong granular product type drives the market because of its favorable handling characteristics, compatibility with bulk blending technology, and suitability for large-scale field application, ensuring cost-effectiveness and uniform nutrient delivery in mechanized farming operations.
• Agricultural grade leads by grade type due to its direct relevance to fertilizer consumption, providing the best available nitrogen and sulfur levels while remaining cost-effective enough for large-scale farming.
• Fertilizers are the leading application type due to the need for soil nutrient replenishment, growing sulfur deficiencies, and improving crop productivity, thus sustaining the importance of ammonium sulfate as a two-component fertilizer.
• The agriculture sector is the largest application area due to the growing intensity of cultivated land, increasing global food security concerns, and government-promoted efforts to improve nutrient management practices for better crop productivity and soil conditions.

So, The ammonium sulfate market includes the production and supply chain of an inorganic compound that is largely used as a fertilizer due to its nitrogen and sulfur content, as well as an intermediate in various industrial applications. The compound is produced through synthetic routes or as a by-product of caprolactam production, thus providing cost-effective large-scale production. The market is largely driven by the agricultural sector, as the compound serves as a fertilizer containing necessary nutrients for crops like cereals, oilseeds, and cash crops. The rising deficiency of sulfur in soils in major agricultural areas has further emphasized its use in fertilizer applications. In addition to agricultural applications, the compound is used in water treatment, textile manufacturing, food processing, and pharmaceutical purification. Market trends are largely driven by fertilizer price fluctuations, agricultural production cycles, and chemical production levels. Although the agricultural sector is the major consumer in terms of volume, industrial and biotech applications drive the value addition aspect. The by-product recovery process integration further improves the sustainability of supply thus promoting long-term market growth.

Ammonium Sulfate Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Solid

The largest market share is occupied by solid ammonium sulfate because of its easy storage and transportation, as well as its suitability for bulk fertilizer blending. Granular and crystalline ammonium sulfate are widely used in agriculture because of their ability to release controlled amounts of nutrients and ensure uniform application to soil. The demand for granular and crystalline ammonium sulfate is strong in countries that practice mechanized farming.

• Liquid

Liquid ammonium sulfate is increasingly being used in precision farming and industrial applications where controlled release and fast solubility are needed. Liquid ammonium sulfate is used in spray fertilizers and water treatment plants. The demand for liquid ammonium sulfate is driven by the increasing use of liquid nutrient delivery systems in modern farming operations.

• Powder

Powdered ammonium sulfate is mainly used in industrial applications and specialty chemical products. It has high solubility and can be easily mixed in a manufacturing setup. However, its use in agriculture is limited because of difficulties in handling compared to granular formulations.

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By Grade

• Technical Grade

The technical grade ammonium sulfate accounts for the largest consumption in total, owing to its widespread use in fertilizers and industrial applications. It provides cost-effectiveness and acceptable purity levels for large-scale agricultural and chemical applications. The demand is directly associated with the production of fertilizers on a global scale.

• Food Grade

The food grade ammonium sulfate is employed as an acidity regulator and dough conditioner in food processing applications. The increasing consumption of processed foods and the need to comply with regulations are driving demand. However, it has a relatively smaller market share compared to agricultural grades.

• Pharmaceutical Grade

The pharmaceutical grade ammonium sulfate is employed in protein purification, biochemical processing, and laboratory applications. The market is driven by the increasing biotechnology and pharmaceutical production. The stringent purity requirements and regulations restrict the volumes but contribute to higher value addition.

• Industrial Grade

The industrial grade ammonium sulfate has uses in flame retardants, textile treatments, and chemical production. Demand is driven by the growth of downstream industries and chemical intermediates production. Its wide applicability drives steady demand in various industrial processes.

• Agricultural Grade

The agricultural grade is the largest grade segment, as it is used directly as a fertilizer for nitrogen and sulfur. The increasing depletion of soil nutrients and the need for crop yields drive demand. The market is strongest in emerging agricultural nations.

By Application

• Fertilizers

Fertilizer use contributes to the largest portion due to the nutritional requirements met by ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen and sulfur nutrient for plants. Rising global food requirements and reduced soil sulfur levels are major driving forces. Its use is most prominent in cereal, oilseed, and cash crop farming.

• Industrial Applications

Industrial use is the second major segment, led by chemical processing and manufacturing. The chemical properties of the compound, including stability and solubility, make it an ideal candidate for various industrial applications. Industrial growth in specialty chemicals manufacturing is a major driving force.

• Water Treatment

In water treatment, ammonium sulfate is employed in chloramination and nutrient balancing. Rising investments in wastewater treatment infrastructure are major driving forces. Water treatment plants for both municipal and industrial use are major consumers.

• Textile Processing

The textile industry uses ammonium sulfate in dyeing and finishing applications to enhance dye absorption and efficiency of fabric treatment. Demand is largely dependent on textile manufacturing output, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Cost-effectiveness is a major driving force for continued use.

• Flame Retardants

Ammonium sulfate is used in flame retardants owing to its thermal decomposition characteristics. Growth is driven by safety standards in the construction and electronics sectors. However, use is affected by substitution rates in flame retardant chemicals.

• Chemical Intermediates

As a chemical intermediate, ammonium sulfate is used in the manufacturing of various industrial chemicals. Increasing chemical manufacturing capacity, particularly in emerging markets, drives the growth of this segment. The segment enjoys stable industrial demand cycles.

• Food Additives

In food applications, ammonium sulfate is used as a processing aid and acidity regulator. Growth is driven by the expansion of bakery and processed food industries. Safety standards and purity requirements drive the growth of this segment.

• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

This application segment uses ammonium sulfate in protein precipitation and purification. Biologics manufacturing and research are driving the growth of this segment. The segment enjoys lower volumes but higher-value applications

• Animal Feed Additives

Ammonium sulfate is employed as a feed additive to facilitate microbial protein production in ruminants. Its growth can be attributed to the development of the livestock sector and the need for efficient feed use. Its regulatory aspects affect its adoption rate in various regions.

• Others

Other uses include laboratory reagents and specialty chemical applications where the chemical properties of ammonium sulfate are useful. These uses account for smaller volumes but help to diversify the total market demand.

By End-Use Industry

• Agriculture

The agriculture sector accounts for the highest end-use market because of the extensive use of ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer. The rising global population and food security issues are contributing to increased fertilizer demand. This is especially true in areas where sulfur-deficient soils are prevalent.

• Chemical Manufacturing

The chemical manufacturing industry uses ammonium sulfate as a raw material and intermediate in their production processes. The rising demand for specialty chemicals and industrial manufacturing is contributing to steady demand. This market is also benefiting from integration with the chemical manufacturing industry's production chains.

• Food Processing

In the food processing industry, ammonium sulfate is used as a stabilizer and processing agent in bakery and fermentation processes. The demand for this market is being driven by processed food consumption trends and regulatory requirements. The growth rate for this market is moderate compared to the agriculture industry.

• Water Treatment Plants

The water treatment plants require ammonium sulfate as a nutrient supplement and for related disinfection applications. Growing environmental regulations and investments in wastewater treatment in urban areas drive the market. The development of municipal infrastructure is an important factor.

• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry requires ammonium sulfate as a purification agent and for research purposes. Growing investments in biologic drugs and life sciences research are boosting demand. High purity standards are the market-defining factor in this market segment.

• Others

Other market segments include laboratories, mining, and specialty manufacturing industries.

Regional Insights

North America, consisting of the United States as a Tier 1 market and Canada and Mexico as Tier 2 markets, exhibits mature consumption trends with sophisticated farming practices and well-established chemical production facilities. The United States leads in terms of massive crop cultivation and well-developed fertilizer production facilities. Europe consists of Tier 1 markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy with the Rest of Europe being a Tier 2 market. The region focuses on controlled fertilizer consumption, environmental sustainability, and stable industrial demand, thereby registering moderate growth trends. The Asia Pacific is the biggest market, and China, India, and Japan are Tier 1 economies in this market because of their massive agricultural and chemical production capacities. Australia & New Zealand, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific are Tier 2 markets that are witnessing increasing fertilizer demand and industrialization. The South America market is fueled by the export-oriented crop production, especially soybean and grains, of Tier 1 countries Brazil and Argentina, along with the support of Tier 2 Rest of South America.

The Middle East & Africa market comprises Tier 1 countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa is a Tier 2 market. This market is fueled by agricultural modernization plans, water treatment projects, and the gradual process of industrialization.

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Recent Development News

• June 2025, BASF SE has made an announcement regarding the launch of renewable ammonia grades that are produced with the use of hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources at its Ludwigshafen Verbund location. This innovation is a step towards the production of chemicals and fertilizers with a lower carbon footprint. Renewable ammonia is one of the major upstream components of nitrogen-based fertilizers and ammonium sulfate, which shows that the industry is moving towards a decarbonized fertilizer feedstock and is also meeting the requirements of new environmental regulations.

(Source:https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2025/05/p-25-099?)

• In December 2024, Yara International ASA has made a statement regarding the initiation of the production of renewable-based ammonia in Brazil through the use of biomethane produced from sugarcane bagasse. The company indicated that this method has the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions substantially while promoting the production of lower-carbon fertilizer. This indicates that the industry is slowly shifting towards sustainable nitrogen fertilizer value chains, which will have a direct impact on the supply of ammonium sulfate.

(Source:https://www.yara.com/news-and-media/news/archive/2024/yara-starts-production-of-renewable-based-ammonia-in-brazil)

Key Ammonium Sulfate Company Insights

BASF SE is among the leading global manufacturers of ammonium sulfate, thanks to extensive chemical production facilities and downstream processing. The company uses vertically integrated plants to manufacture fertilizer-grade and high-purity ammonium sulfate, improving supply chain stability against feedstock price fluctuations. The company’s R&D facilities help in developing new products in the specialty market, including water treatment and pharmaceuticals. Sustainable production programs by the company align with changing environmental policies. BASF SE’s geographic diversification in Europe, Asia, and the Americas helps the company maintain its leading market position, allowing it to effectively reach customers despite competitive pressures.

Key Ammonium Sulfate Companies:

• BASF SE
• Evonik Industries AG
• LANXESS AG
• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
• AdvanSix Inc.
• Nutrien Ltd.
• Domo Chemicals GmbH
• UBE Corporation
• Fibrant B.V.
• OCI Global
• Yara International ASA
• Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals (GSFC)
• Jost Chemical Co.
• Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.
• China Petrochemical Development Corporation (Sinopec)

Global Ammonium Sulfate Market Report Segmentation

By Product Type

• Solid
• Liquid
• Powder

By Grade

• Technical Grade
• Food Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Agricultural Grade

By Application

• Fertilizers
• Industrial Applications
• Water Treatment
• Textile Processing
• Flame Retardants
• Chemical Intermediates
• Food Additives
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
• Animal Feed Additives
• Others

By End-Use Industry

• Agriculture
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Food Processing
• Water Treatment Plants
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
• Others

Regional Outlook

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa