The global sulphur-coated urea (SCU) market is poised for steady expansion through 2035, driven by the increasing adoption of controlled-release fertilizers, rising agricultural mechanization, and the push for sustainable nutrient management practices. According to Fact.MR, the market is valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.0%.
The Fact.MR report, “Sulphur-Coated Urea Market: Global Industry Analysis 2025–2035”, reveals that global revenues will grow by nearly USD 3.8 billion over the decade, fueled by rising crop intensification, fertilizer efficiency programs, and growing awareness of nutrient management in emerging markets.
A Decade of Growth Anchored by Sustainable Agriculture and Controlled-Release Fertilizers
Sulphur-coated urea is a controlled-release fertilizer that improves nitrogen use efficiency, reduces nutrient loss, and enhances crop yield. Between 2025 and 2030, the market is expected to grow by USD 1.8 billion, primarily driven by large-scale adoption in high-value crops such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables across Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Between 2030 and 2035, Fact.MR forecasts an additional USD 2.0 billion in market growth, reflecting the increasing integration of precision agriculture, government incentive programs, and rising adoption of eco-friendly fertilizers to meet sustainability targets.
“Controlled-release fertilizers like sulphur-coated urea are becoming essential for modern agriculture,” said a Fact.MR market analyst. “Farmers and agribusinesses are adopting SCU not only to enhance yields but also to minimize environmental impact.”
Key Market Insights at a Glance
| Metric | Global Estimate |
|---|---|
| Market Value (2025) | USD 4.7 billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 8.5 billion |
| CAGR | 6.0% |
| Top Crop Type | Cereals & Grains (34% share) |
| Dominant Coating Material | Sulphur |
| Fastest-Growing Region | Asia-Pacific (7.3% CAGR) |
Asia-Pacific: The Fastest-Growing Market
Fact.MR’s regional analysis, “Asia-Pacific Sulphur-Coated Urea Market Outlook 2025–2035”, identifies the region as the fastest-growing market. The market is projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.3%, driven by large-scale cultivation, government subsidy programs, and increasing awareness of controlled-release fertilizers.
India, China, and Southeast Asian countries are emerging as key growth hubs, with rising adoption among both commercial and smallholder farmers. Local production, distribution networks, and awareness campaigns are accelerating SCU adoption.
Five Forces Driving Market Expansion
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Agricultural Intensification: Rising demand for high-yield crops encourages adoption of nutrient-efficient fertilizers.
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Sustainability & Environmental Regulations: SCU reduces nitrogen leaching, supporting eco-friendly farming practices.
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Government Initiatives: Subsidies and programs promoting efficient fertilizer use boost SCU consumption.
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Technological Advancements: Innovations in coating technology improve nutrient release profiles and crop compatibility.
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Precision Agriculture Adoption: Integration with soil monitoring and precision farming practices ensures optimal nitrogen application.
Segment Overview
By Crop Type:
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Cereals & Grains – Largest segment, representing 34% of global revenue in 2025.
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Fruits & Vegetables – Growing rapidly due to nutrient-intensive cultivation.
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Oilseeds & Pulses – Moderate growth potential, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
By Coating Material:
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Sulphur-Coated Urea – Dominates the market.
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Multi-Coated Urea – Emerging in specialty crops for enhanced efficiency.
By Region:
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Asia-Pacific – Fastest growth due to high agricultural output and fertilizer adoption.
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North America – Stable growth, supported by mechanized farming and large-scale cereal cultivation.
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Europe – Moderate growth with focus on sustainable and precision farming.
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Latin America & MEA – Emerging opportunities in sugarcane, maize, and wheat production.
Competitive Landscape
Key players in the global sulphur-coated urea market include:
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Yara International ASA
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Nutrien Ltd.
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ICL Group Ltd.
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K+S AG
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Haifa Chemicals Ltd.
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Haosheng Fertilizer Co., Ltd.
These companies focus on innovative coating technologies, regional expansion, and sustainable fertilizer solutions, ensuring competitiveness in high-growth markets.
Market Outlook: Powering the Next Decade
Over the next decade, the SCU market will evolve toward high-efficiency fertilizers, multi-coated innovations, and precision agriculture integration. Emerging technologies such as soil sensors, AI-assisted nutrient management, and automated fertilizer application systems will redefine efficiency and yield optimization.
“Sulphur-coated urea is no longer just a nitrogen source; it is a critical enabler of sustainable and high-yield agriculture,” added the analyst. “Fertilizer manufacturers that combine innovation, sustainability, and farmer education will shape the market’s future.”
Browse Full Report: https://www.factmr.com/report/4458/sulphur-coated-urea-market
About Fact.MR
Fact.MR is a trusted market research and intelligence provider, delivering actionable insights across chemicals, agriculture, industrial, and consumer sectors. With comprehensive reports and strategic intelligence, Fact.MR enables businesses to make informed decisions and capture growth opportunities worldwide.
