Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analysis

The Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market size is estimated at 6.28 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 8.03 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.05% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Argentina's agricultural sector maintains a pivotal role in the national economy, contributing approximately 7.13% to the country's GDP. The nation's agricultural landscape has witnessed significant expansion, with cultivation areas reaching 39.4 million hectares in 2022, reflecting the sector's robust growth trajectory. This agricultural prowess is built upon the country's vast agricultural lands, favorable climate conditions, and sophisticated farming expertise, positioning Argentina as a major global agricultural producer and exporter. The country's commitment to high-yield production systems has necessitated advanced crop protection chemicals strategies, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by various agricultural threats.

The landscape of crop protection chemicals in Argentina is predominantly shaped by the pressing challenge of weed management, with species such as fleabane, pigweed, johnsongrass, goosegrass, finger grass, and barnyard grass significantly impacting crop yields. The country's agricultural output demonstrates remarkable potential, with projections indicating corn production will reach 54 million metric tons during 2023-2024, up significantly from the previous season. This substantial production scale underscores the critical importance of effective pest and disease management strategies, particularly in protecting major crops like wheat, soybean, and maize.

Argentina's horticultural sector exhibits robust production capabilities, generating approximately 8.3 million metric tons of fruits and 10 million metric tons of vegetables annually. The sector's significant output necessitates comprehensive crop protection measures, with foliar application emerging as the preferred method for fungicide and insecticide treatments. This approach has proven particularly effective in addressing the challenge of pests and diseases that primarily target crop foliage, thereby safeguarding plant growth and development throughout the cultivation cycle.

The agricultural sector's evolution is characterized by increasingly intensive farming practices aimed at maximizing productivity while ensuring sustainable output. The adoption of advanced agrochemicals and pesticides has been instrumental in minimizing pest impact and enhancing crop resilience. Pesticide usage patterns reflect this intensification, with a notable 29.1% increase in 2022 compared to 2017, indicating the sector's growing reliance on chemical crop protection solutions. This trend aligns with the broader objective of maintaining food security while meeting rising domestic and international demand for agricultural products.

Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends

The rise in weed infestation and growing resistance of weed species to herbicides significantly increased the per-hectare herbicide consumption in the country

• In Argentina, there has been a noteworthy surge in pesticide consumption per hectare, witnessing a remarkable growth of 1,072 grams per hectare between 2017 and 2022. This remarkable increase can be predominantly attributed to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as frequent droughts, intensified heatwaves, and the adoption of intensive agricultural practices. The changing climate conditions have exacerbated the proliferation of weeds, pests, and diseases in agricultural fields, posing significant challenges to crop cultivation. Thus, farmers have had to grapple with higher yield losses, leading them to resort to more extensive and effective utilization of pesticides for protecting their crops.
• In Argentina, there has been a notable rise in the adoption of no-tillage and monoculture practices, which offer certain advantages but also bring about challenges such as the proliferation of weeds, diseases, and insect pests. In response to the increasing demand for exports, farmers are increasingly resorting to monoculture practices, which, in turn, necessitate the heightened use of agrochemicals to enhance crop productivity.
• The primary type of pesticides utilized and consumed per hectare in Argentina is herbicides, which registered a significant growth of 1,047 grams per hectare by 2022, in contrast to the figures from 2017. This substantial increase in herbicide consumption can be mainly attributed to the rise in weed infestations, the adoption of herbicide-resistant cultivars, and the growing resistance of weed species to herbicides. These factors collectively contribute to the higher demand and utilization of herbicides per hectare. As of 2023, almost 30 weed species had increased resistance toward multiple herbicides, which could lead to a rise in herbicide usage.

Frequent climate changes and pesticide import policies majorly alter the active ingredient prices

• Argentina holds a prominent position as the major agricultural country in the region. It stands as the world's third-largest consumer of pesticides. Certain pesticide products utilized in Argentina are banned in other countries, and the country heavily relies on pesticide imports from EU countries to meet its agricultural demands.
• During 2019, pesticide prices experienced significant growth, mainly due to the adverse effects of increased drought and heat waves on the country's agriculture sector. These conditions led to higher pesticide usage, a surge in demand for pesticides, and the unavailability of certain products, all contributing to the overall rise in pesticide prices.
• From 2020 to 2022, there was a significant reduction in the prices of active ingredients compared to the period from 2017 to 2019. This notable decrease can be predominantly attributed to the implementation of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, which played a crucial role in eliminating tariffs on EU pesticide exports to Mercosur countries like Argentina. The agreement also led to reduced controls on imported foods, resulting in increased pesticide use. These changes in trade policies have had a considerable impact on the pricing and availability of active ingredients in the market.
• The country relies heavily on the use of cypermethrin, atrazine, and mancozeb as major active ingredients. The prices of these chemicals are significantly influenced by import policies, fluctuations in raw material prices, regulatory approvals, and the overall demand. As of 2022, the prices for cypermethrin, atrazine, and mancozeb were USD 21,046.2, USD 13,817.9, and USD 7,824.0 per metric ton, respectively.

Segment Analysis: Function

Herbicide Segment in Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The herbicide segment dominates the Argentina crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 87% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the country's extensive agricultural practices, particularly in soybean and corn cultivation, where weed management is crucial. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the widespread adoption of herbicide-resistant crop varieties and the increasing challenge of herbicide-tolerant weed species. Farmers in Argentina heavily rely on herbicides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, diclosulan, atrazine, and chlorimuron for effective weed control, especially in no-tillage farming systems, which account for over 90% of agricultural land. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth rate in the market, projected to grow at approximately 6% during 2024-2029, driven by the increasing adoption of herbicide-resistant cultivars and the continuous evolution of weed resistance patterns requiring more sophisticated herbicide solutions.

Remaining Segments in Function

The remaining segments in the Argentina crop protection chemicals market include nematicides, insecticides, fungicides, and molluscicides, each serving specific crop protection needs. Nematicides play a crucial role in controlling soil-borne pests, particularly in soybean cultivation, where nematode infestations can significantly impact yields. Insecticides are essential for managing various pest populations, including the South American bollworm and corn leafhopper, which pose serious threats to major crops. Fungicides are primarily used to combat diseases in wheat and soybean crops, with particular emphasis on controlling rust and leaf blight. Molluscicides, while representing a smaller segment, are vital for protecting crops from slug and snail damage, especially in no-tillage farming systems where these pests can become problematic.

Segment Analysis: Application Mode

Soil Treatment Segment in Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Soil treatment dominates the Argentina crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 47% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily attributed to its effectiveness in controlling soil-borne pests, diseases, and weeds before they can impact crop development. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, particularly DDT, BHC, and lindane, are the most commonly used pesticides for soil treatment in Argentina, demonstrating persistent control over numerous crop pests. The method's popularity is further enhanced by its ability to eliminate both soil-dwelling pests and those that attack aerial parts of plants through systemic pesticide applications. Farmers in Argentina particularly favor this application mode for treating major crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat, as it provides comprehensive protection from the early stages of plant growth.

Soil Treatment Segment Growth in Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The soil treatment segment is projected to maintain its strong growth trajectory with an estimated CAGR of approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of no-tillage farming practices across Argentina, which necessitates effective soil treatment solutions. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising prevalence of soil-borne diseases and pests affecting major crops in the region. Additionally, the development of new, more effective soil treatment formulations and the increasing awareness among farmers about the benefits of preventive pest control measures are contributing to the segment's expansion. The trend toward integrated pest management practices and the need for sustainable agriculture solutions are also playing crucial roles in driving the growth of soil treatment applications.

Remaining Segments in Application Mode

The other application modes in the market include foliar application, chemigation, fumigation, and seed treatment, each serving specific purposes in crop protection. Foliar application represents the second-largest segment, preferred for its effectiveness in controlling pests and diseases that directly attack plant foliage. Chemigation has gained traction as an efficient method of applying pesticides through irrigation systems, offering benefits such as uniform distribution and reduced labor costs. Fumigation serves as a specialized application method particularly effective for controlling soil-borne pests in high-value crops, while seed treatment provides crucial early-stage protection for emerging seedlings. These diverse application methods complement each other, offering farmers a comprehensive approach to crop protection based on specific crop requirements and pest challenges.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Pulses & Oilseeds Segment in Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The Pulses & Oilseeds segment dominates the Argentina crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 50% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by Argentina's status as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of soybeans, along with other key crops like dry beans, peas, chickpeas, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the increasing challenges posed by drought conditions and herbicide-resistant weeds such as Lolium multiflorum, Amaranthus spp., Sorghum halepense, and Conyza sumatrensis, which necessitate higher application rates of crop protection chemicals. Herbicides constitute the largest share within this segment at nearly 87%, followed by nematicides at around 6%, reflecting the critical need to manage both weed infestations and soil-borne pests in these high-value crops. The segment's prominence is also attributed to these crops' economic importance in fulfilling domestic protein and edible oil requirements, making effective crop protection essential for maintaining productivity and quality.

Grains & Cereals Segment in Argentina Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The Grains & Cereals segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory, with an anticipated growth rate of approximately 6% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This robust growth is driven by Argentina's position as the fifth-largest corn producer and tenth-largest wheat producer globally, coupled with increasing pest and disease pressures on these crucial crops. The segment's growth is particularly fueled by the rising challenges posed by weeds like ryegrass, large crabgrass, pigweed, barnyard grass, fleabane, and Johnsongrass, which necessitate increasingly sophisticated crop protection solutions. The adoption of intensive agricultural practices, combined with the cultivation of herbicide-resistant varieties and the emergence of herbicide-tolerant weed species, is driving increased demand for crop protection chemicals in this segment. Additionally, the segment's growth is supported by the country's diverse climate conditions and soils, which provide an ideal environment for grain and cereal cultivation, making effective crop protection crucial for maintaining high yields and quality.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The remaining segments in the Argentina crop protection chemicals market include Commercial Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, and Turf & Ornamental, each playing distinct roles in shaping the overall market dynamics. The Commercial Crops segment, encompassing cotton, tea, sugar cane, tobacco, and cocoa, faces unique challenges related to pest management and disease control in specialized cultivation environments. The Fruits & Vegetables segment, while smaller in market share, remains crucial for domestic food security and export markets, requiring specific crop protection solutions for various fruits like apples, citrus, and vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. The Turf & Ornamental segment, though representing a smaller portion of the market, serves specialized needs in landscaping, golf courses, and ornamental plant cultivation, requiring targeted pest and disease management solutions.

Free With This Report

Along with the report, We also offer a comprehensive and exhaustive data pack with 50+ graphs on insecticide, fungicides, and herbicides consumption per hectare and the average price of active ingredients used in insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, and molluscicides. The data pack includes Globe, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa.