Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 20.06 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 24.78 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 4.31% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market size is estimated at 20.06 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 24.78 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.31% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Brazil's agricultural sector continues to evolve with changing farming practices and increasing adoption of modern crop protection chemicals technologies. The sector faces significant challenges from pest infestations and diseases, with crop-weed competition alone causing production losses of 10-20% annually, resulting in financial losses exceeding USD 1.0 billion per crop. The integration of precision agriculture techniques with crop protection solutions has become increasingly prevalent, as farmers seek to optimize chemical usage while maximizing yield potential. This technological advancement has led to more targeted and efficient application methods, with foliar application emerging as a preferred choice among farmers due to its precision and effectiveness.
The market dynamics are largely influenced by the growing complexity of pest management challenges faced by Brazilian farmers. A prime example is the soybean sector, where the southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) causes significant yield losses of up to 17%, highlighting the critical need for effective agricultural pest control solutions. The situation is further complicated by the Asian soybean rust pathogen, which can cause devastating yield reductions of up to 90% when left uncontrolled. These challenges have prompted the development of more sophisticated and integrated pest management approaches, combining chemical controls with advanced monitoring systems.
The industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices. Farmers are increasingly adopting precision application methods and sustainable farming techniques, with the chemigation method gaining traction due to its efficiency in water and chemical usage. The adoption of micro-irrigation systems has expanded considerably, with drip irrigation covering 617,423 hectares and conventional sprinklers covering 514,893 hectares, demonstrating the growing emphasis on resource-efficient application methods.
Recent technological innovations have focused on developing more effective formulations and application methods to combat resistant pest populations. The nematode impact on various cultivars, which can result in yield losses as high as 30% depending on the region and genetic background, has driven the development of specialized pesticide solutions. This has led to the emergence of new active ingredients and formulation technologies, with companies investing heavily in research and development to address specific regional challenges. The industry's focus has shifted towards developing products that not only provide effective pest control but also align with sustainable agriculture practices and environmental regulations. The Brazilian market for plant protection chemicals continues to expand as these innovations gain traction.
Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends and Insights
Growing herbicide-resistant cultivars and weeds boosting herbicides’ consumption per hectare
- Brazil has witnessed a substantial surge in the consumption of pesticides per hectare, reaching an impressive increase of 1,700 g per hectare between 2017 and 2022. This remarkable growth can be predominantly linked to the profound impact of climate changes, characterized by heightened occurrences of droughts, heatwaves, and other favorable conditions that promote the proliferation of fungal diseases, weeds, and insect pests. As a consequence, farmers are facing major yield losses in their crops.
- In response to these climate challenges and driven by the pressing need to boost crop production, farmers are increasingly turning to the adoption of pesticides as a primary measure. While alternative methods of pest and disease control exist, they often entail higher production costs, making pesticides a more practical and cost-effective solution for many farmers. Moreover, the severity of crop infestations plays a pivotal role in influencing pesticide usage and application rates. As infestations escalate, farmers are compelled to intensify the application of pesticides to effectively mitigate losses and secure higher yields. As a result, the consumption of crop protection chemicals continues to climb steadily, shaping the agricultural landscape in Brazil.
- Among all, herbicide consumption per hectare grew significantly during the historical period, representing a growth of 2,177 g per hectare in 2022 compared to 2017, which is majorly attributed to the increase in weed infestations. On average, every year, weeds cause 14% crop loss, resulting in increased herbicide-resistant cultivars and weed resistance to herbicides. As of 2020, 51 weed species were reported as being resistant to herbicides, which further increased herbicide usage and per hectare consumption.
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Increasing demand and import tariffs are majorly altering the prices of active ingredients in the country
- Brazil's agricultural sector heavily relies on agrochemical products to safeguard crops and enhance production. However, the country is significantly dependent on the import of these products, with the EU being a primary supplier. As a result of this reliance on imports, the prices of pesticides in Brazil are greatly influenced by currency exchange rates, import tariffs, and duties, which can cause fluctuations and volatility in the market.
- Cypermethrin stands out among all active ingredients, commanding a price of USD 21,129 per metric ton. This higher cost is mainly due to the limited production of cypermethrin within the country. Additionally, Brazil ranks among the top 3 importers of cypermethrin globally, with the European Union being a major exporter to Brazil under the EU-Mercosur deal. These factors contribute to the premium price of cypermethrin in the market.
- In 2018, the price of Atrazine saw a significant surge, reaching USD 15.019 thousand per metric ton. This represented a substantial increase of 9.4% compared to 2017. The sudden upswing in Atrazine's cost is primarily linked to the escalating demand for the product, which is mainly imported from EU countries. The situation is noteworthy as Atrazine is banned in the European Union for domestic use but permitted solely for export purposes, causing a supply-demand imbalance and driving the price higher. It was among the top 3 highest-selling active ingredients in Brazil in 2018.
- Glyphosate, malathion, and mancozeb are the primary pesticides extensively utilized, and their active ingredient prices are witnessing yearly increases. These price hikes can be attributed to the growing demand for these products and the escalating costs of raw materials used in their production.
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Segment Analysis: Function
Herbicide Segment in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
Herbicides dominate the Brazilian crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 41% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the critical challenge of weed management in Brazilian agriculture, where crops face severe competition from resistant weeds. The prevalence of resistant weeds in certain areas, coupled with estimated production losses of 10-20% due to crop-weed competition, results in annual losses exceeding USD 1.0 billion for each crop. Particularly in soybean cultivation, farmers face potential yield losses of up to 90% without effective weed control measures, making herbicides an indispensable tool in Brazilian agriculture. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the extensive use of soil treatment methods, where herbicides account for about 72% of applications, demonstrating their crucial role in pre-emergent weed control.
Molluscicide Segment in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The molluscicide segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Brazilian crop protection chemicals market, projected to expand at approximately 8% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the increasing threat from invasive snail species, particularly the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) and the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). These invasive species pose a serious threat to various crops due to their voracious appetites and rapid reproduction rates. The effectiveness of chemical molluscicides, particularly metaldehyde-based formulations in pellet and granule forms, has proven crucial in controlling snail populations and protecting crop yields. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising awareness among farmers about the significant yield losses caused by these mollusks in economically important crops like pulses, oilseeds, grains, and cereals.
Remaining Segments in Function Segmentation
The remaining segments in the Brazilian crop protection chemicals market include insecticides, fungicides, and nematicides, each playing vital roles in crop protection. Insecticides are crucial in controlling various pests like the fall armyworm in corn production and the coffee borer in coffee cultivation. Fungicides are essential in managing diseases such as Asian soybean rust and wheat blast disease, which can cause significant crop losses. Nematicides, while representing a smaller market share, are vital in controlling soil-borne pests that affect root development and overall plant health, particularly in high-value crops. These segments collectively provide farmers with a comprehensive toolkit for managing various crop threats and maintaining agricultural productivity.
Segment Analysis: Application Mode
Foliar Application Segment in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The foliar application method continues to dominate the Brazilian crop protection chemicals market, accounting for approximately 42% market share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to the method's precise and effective means of delivering crop protection products directly to affected plant parts. The adoption of modern agricultural practices like precision application and increasing awareness of sustainable farming techniques in Brazil have contributed substantially to the segment's dominance. Foliar application offers farmers considerable flexibility in timing, enabling them to apply fungicides and other pesticides when conditions are most favorable for effective pest and plant disease control. This method has proven particularly effective in managing secondary infections and preventing disease spread within crops, making it the preferred choice for Brazilian farmers across various crop types.
Soil Treatment Segment in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The soil treatment segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory, with an estimated CAGR of approximately 5% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of soil treatment methods using herbicides applications in Brazil. The effectiveness of soil treatment in controlling devastating soil-borne pests like seedcorn maggots in wheat crops, which can cause significant annual yield losses, has made it an increasingly attractive option for farmers. Additionally, the method's success in managing nematodes and other soil-borne diseases in fruits and vegetable crops has contributed to its growing adoption. The segment's growth is further supported by its ability to specifically target weed seeds before crop sowing, providing comprehensive protection against various soil-borne threats.
Remaining Segments in Application Mode
The other application modes - chemigation, seed treatment, and fumigation - each play vital roles in Brazil's crop protection chemicals market. Chemigation has gained traction due to its integration with modern irrigation systems, offering efficient chemical distribution through water delivery systems. Seed treatment has emerged as a crucial preventive method, particularly for protecting crops during their vulnerable early growth stages. Fumigation, while representing a smaller share, remains essential for specific applications such as storage pest control and soil sterilization. These methods complement each other, providing farmers with a comprehensive toolkit for pest and disease management across different crop types and growing conditions.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Pulses & Oilseeds Segment in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The pulses and oilseeds segment dominates the Brazil crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 50% market share in 2024, driven primarily by the extensive cultivation of soybeans, which comprises more than a third of the country's agricultural production value. This segment faces significant challenges from various pests and diseases, particularly the southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) which causes around 17% yield loss in soybean production, and the devastating Asian soybean rust that can lead to yield losses of up to 90%. The segment is also projected to maintain its market leadership with the highest growth rate of approximately 5% during 2024-2029, attributed to the increasing adoption of crop protection solutions to combat these persistent threats. The expansion of cultivation areas, coupled with the rising demand for oilseeds in both domestic and international markets, further reinforces the segment's dominant position in the market.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type
The other significant segments in the Brazil crop protection chemicals market include grains and cereals, commercial crops, fruits and vegetables, and turf and ornamental applications. The grains and cereals segment, particularly focusing on wheat, rice, and corn cultivation, faces challenges from diseases like blast disease in wheat. Commercial crops, including cotton, sugarcane, cocoa, and coffee, require substantial crop protection measures due to various pest infestations and diseases affecting yield quality. The fruits and vegetables segment addresses specific challenges related to various fungal diseases and pest infestations that impact produce quality and marketability. The turf and ornamental segment, though smaller in comparison, serves specialized needs in golf courses, parks, and ornamental plant cultivation, focusing on maintaining aesthetic appeal and plant health through targeted crop protection solutions.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The Brazil crop protection chemicals market features several prominent global players, including Syngenta Group, Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, FMC Corporation, and BASF SE, among others. These companies are heavily focused on product innovation through significant R&D investments to develop novel active ingredients, formulations, and application technologies that address evolving pest resistance challenges. Operational agility is demonstrated through the establishment of local manufacturing facilities and distribution networks to ensure reliable supply chains and faster market response. Strategic partnerships and collaborations are increasingly common, particularly in areas of technology development and distribution channel optimization. Companies are also pursuing geographical expansion through both organic growth and acquisitions, with many establishing dedicated research centers and production facilities across Brazil to better serve the local agricultural sector and strengthen their market positions.
Global Leaders Dominate Brazilian Agricultural Inputs
The Brazilian crop protection chemicals market is characterized by a strong presence of multinational corporations that leverage their global research capabilities and extensive product portfolios. These companies have established a deep-rooted presence through decades of operations, substantial investments in local infrastructure, and strong relationships with distributors and farming communities. The market structure shows moderate to high consolidation, with the top five players accounting for a significant portion of the total market share, while still maintaining healthy competition through differentiated product offerings and service capabilities.
The market has witnessed several strategic mergers and acquisitions aimed at portfolio expansion and market consolidation. Notable transactions include UPL's acquisition of Arysta LifeScience and Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto, which have reshaped competitive dynamics. Local players maintain relevance through specialized product offerings and strong regional distribution networks, though their market share remains relatively limited compared to global leaders. Companies are increasingly focusing on building integrated crop protection solutions that combine chemical products with digital technologies and advisory services to enhance their value proposition.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Growth
Success in the Brazilian agricultural chemicals market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions while maintaining product efficacy. Market leaders are investing in bio-based alternatives and precision application technologies to address growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Building strong distribution networks and providing comprehensive technical support to farmers has become crucial for maintaining market share. Companies are also focusing on developing resistance management solutions and integrated pest management approaches to address evolving challenges in crop protection chemicals.
For new entrants and smaller players, success lies in identifying and serving niche market segments with specialized solutions while building strategic partnerships to overcome scale limitations. The development of novel formulations that offer improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact presents opportunities for differentiation. Companies must also invest in digital capabilities and data-driven solutions to enhance their service offerings and maintain competitiveness. The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and potential regulatory changes regarding pesticide use will likely shape future competitive strategies, making investment in compliant and environmentally friendly solutions essential for long-term success.
Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Leaders
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BASF SE
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Bayer AG
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Corteva Agriscience
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FMC Corporation
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Syngenta Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- February 2023: ADAMA opened a new multi-purpose facility in Brazil. With this factory, the company will be able to deliver all the Prothioconazole-based products in its pipeline to the global market and achieve its objective of introducing a number of innovative items to the Brazilian market in the upcoming years.
- January 2023: Bayer formed a new partnership with Oerth Bio to enhance crop protection technology and create more eco-friendly crop protection solutions.
- October 2022: HavizaTM Active was the newest fungicide brand added to Corteva Agriscience's strong innovation pipeline. The product is an alternative for farmers in South America to manage Asian soybean rot. The company broadened its active class of picolinamide through this innovation.
Brazil Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report Scope
Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide, Molluscicide, Nematicide are covered as segments by Function. Chemigation, Foliar, Fumigation, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment are covered as segments by Application Mode. Commercial Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type.
Function
| Fungicide |
| Herbicide |
| Insecticide |
| Molluscicide |
| Nematicide |
Application Mode
| Chemigation |
| Foliar |
| Fumigation |
| Seed Treatment |
| Soil Treatment |
Crop Type
| Commercial Crops |
| Fruits and Vegetables |
| Grains and Cereals |
| Pulses and Oilseeds |
| Turf and Ornamental |
| Function | Fungicide |
| Herbicide | |
| Insecticide | |
| Molluscicide | |
| Nematicide | |
| Application Mode | Chemigation |
| Foliar | |
| Fumigation | |
| Seed Treatment | |
| Soil Treatment | |
| Crop Type | Commercial Crops |
| Fruits and Vegetables | |
| Grains and Cereals | |
| Pulses and Oilseeds | |
| Turf and Ornamental |
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Market Definition
- Function - Crop Protection Chemicals are apllied to control or prevent pests, including insects, fungi, weeds, nematodes, and mollusks, from damaging the crop and to protect the crop yield.
- Application Mode - Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, Chemigation, and Fumigation are the different type of application modes through which crop protection chemicals are applied to the crops.
- Crop Type - This represents the consumption of crop protection chemicals by Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Turf, and Ornamental crops.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| IWM | Integrated weed management (IWM) is an approach to incorporate multiple weed control techniques throughout the growing season to give producers the best opportunity to control problematic weeds. |
| Host | Hosts are the plants that form relationships with beneficial microorganisms and help them colonize. |
| Pathogen | A disease-causing organism. |
| Herbigation | Herbigation is an effective method of applying herbicides through irrigation systems. |
| Maximum residue levels (MRL) | Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) is the maximum allowed limit of pesticide residue in food or feed obtained from plants and animals. |
| IoT | The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. |
| Herbicide-tolerant varieties (HTVs) | Herbicide-tolerant varieties are plant species that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides used on crops. |
| Chemigation | Chemigation is a method of applying pesticides to crops through an irrigation system. |
| Crop Protection | Crop protection is a method of protecting crop yields from different pests, including insects, weeds, plant diseases, and others that cause damage to agricultural crops. |
| Seed Treatment | Seed treatment helps to disinfect seeds or seedlings from seed-borne or soil-borne pests. Crop protection chemicals, such as fungicides, insecticides, or nematicides, are commonly used for seed treatment. |
| Fumigation | Fumigation is the application of crop protection chemicals in gaseous form to control pests. |
| Bait | A bait is a food or other material used to lure a pest and kill it through various methods, including poisoning. |
| Contact Fungicide | Contact pesticides prevent crop contamination and combat fungal pathogens. They act on pests (fungi) only when they come in contact with the pests. |
| Systemic Fungicide | A systemic fungicide is a compound taken up by a plant and then translocated within the plant, thus protecting the plant from attack by pathogens. |
| Mass Drug Administration (MDA) | Mass drug administration is the strategy to control or eliminate many neglected tropical diseases. |
| Mollusks | Mollusks are pests that feed on crops, causing crop damage and yield loss. Mollusks include octopi, squid, snails, and slugs. |
| Pre-emergence Herbicide | Preemergence herbicides are a form of chemical weed control that prevents germinated weed seedlings from becoming established. |
| Post-emergence Herbicide | Postemergence herbicides are applied to the agricultural field to control weeds after emergence (germination) of seeds or seedlings. |
| Active Ingredients | Active ingredients are the chemicals in pesticide products that kill, control, or repel pests. |
| United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | The Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. |
| Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) | The WSSA, a non-profit professional society, promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds. |
| Suspension concentrate | Suspension concentrate (SC) is one of the formulations of crop protection chemicals with solid active ingredients dispersed in water. |
| Wettable powder | A wettable powder (WP) is a powder formulation that forms a suspension when mixed with water prior to spraying. |
| Emulsifiable concentrate | Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) is a concentrated liquid formulation of pesticide that needs to be diluted with water to create a spray solution. |
| Plant-parasitic nematodes | Parasitic Nematodes feed on the roots of crops, causing damage to the roots. These damages allow for easy plant infestation by soil-borne pathogens, which results in crop or yield loss. |
| Australian Weeds Strategy (AWS) | The Australian Weeds Strategy, owned by the Environment and Invasives Committee, provides national guidance on weed management. |
| Weed Science Society of Japan (WSSJ) | WSSJ aims to contribute to the prevention of weed damage and the utilization of weed value by providing the chance for research presentation and information exchange. |
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Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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