Brazil Micronutrient Fertilizer Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market size reached USD 282.64 million in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 382.18 million by 2030, advancing at a 6.22% CAGR over the forecast period. Rising demand stems from widespread soil‐borne trace-element deficiencies, heightened fertilizer import dependence, and the adoption of precision agronomy tools that help growers extract maximum yield from every input dollar. Brazil’s 200 million-hectare farm base, anchored by 25 million hectares of soybeans, faces acute gaps in zinc and boron availability, particularly across the Cerrado and MATOPIBA frontiers, where 95% of soil samples contain zinc below 1 mg/dm³. Climatic swings that accelerate nutrient leaching, a new national fertilizer plan that channels into domestic production, and record fertilizer import bills exceeding in 2024, elevate micronutrient efficiency technologies as priority investments for growers and suppliers alike
Key Report Takeaways
- By product category, zinc led with 28.70% of Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market share in 2024, while molybdenum recorded the fastest 9.22% CAGR through 2030.
- By application mode, soil application retained 95.04% share of the Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market size in 2024; fertigation posted the highest projected 6.71% CAGR to 2030.
- By crop type, field crops accounted for a 95.65% slice of the Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market size in 2024 and are expanding at a 6.26% CAGR through 2030
Brazil Micronutrient Fertilizer Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil micronutrient depletion in high-yield regions | +1.8% | Cerrado, Southeast, and South regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Climate-linked nutrient leaching spikes | +1.2% | National, with early gains in Cerrado, MATOPIBA | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Government soil-health subsidy programs | +0.9% | National | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Expansion of precision fertigation infrastructure | +0.7% | Center-West and Southeast regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rise of chelated nano-formulations for alkaline soils | +0.5% | Cerrado and Northeast regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Carbon-credit premiums rewarding balanced nutrition | +0.3% | National | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Soil Micronutrient Depletion in High-Yield Regions
Brazil's intensive agricultural systems have created a micronutrient deficit crisis that threatens long-term productivity gains. The Cerrado region, accounting for 23.9% of national fertilizer deliveries, exhibits systematic depletion across key micronutrients, with boron deficiency affecting over 70% of cultivated soils[1]Source: Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, “Micronutrient Deficiencies in Brazilian Soils,” Embrapa, embrapa.br. High-yielding cultivars introduced since 2024 further accelerate extraction rates, while the economic fallout extends to reduced grain protein and curtailed export premiums. As a result, micronutrient top-ups have shifted from optional to essential line items in growers’ operating budgets.
Climate-Linked Nutrient Leaching Spikes
Brazil's tropical climate patterns are intensifying micronutrient mobility and loss through enhanced leaching processes. The country's distinct wet-dry seasonal cycle, with 1,200-1,800mm annual rainfall concentrated in 4-6 months, creates conditions where water-soluble micronutrients experience accelerated movement through the soil profile[2]Source: Federal University of Viçosa, “Climate Change Impacts on Nutrient Leaching,” ufv.br. Climate change is exacerbating this challenge, with irregular precipitation patterns and extreme rainfall events becoming more frequent across key agricultural regions. Chelated formulations that curb wash-through by up to 60% are therefore gaining popularity, especially among Center-West soybean producers contending with water-logged Oxisols.
Government Soil-Health Subsidy Programs
The National Fertilizer Plan underwrites BRL 8.5 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in soil-improvement grants, while RenovAgro credit lines cut interest charges for growers investing in micronutrient testing and variable-rate application kits. The RenovAgro program provides subsidized credit for sustainable agricultural practices, including precision nutrient management and soil health restoration projects that incorporate micronutrient testing and application. Parallel state schemes in Mato Grosso and São Paulo reimburse up to 50% of lab costs, lifting annual soil-analysis volumes and accelerating first-time micronutrient interventions on mid-size farms.
Expansion of Precision Fertigation Infrastructure
Brazil's precision agriculture sector is experiencing rapid expansion, with fertigation systems becoming increasingly sophisticated in their micronutrient delivery capabilities. The country's precision agriculture footprint has grown to an estimated 3-4 million hectares, concentrated in high-value crop production areas where micronutrient optimization delivers measurable return on investment. Variable-rate pumps integrate with satellite imagery and in-field probes, trimming input waste while sustaining leaf-tissue sufficiency targets across heterogeneous topography. The integration of satellite monitoring, soil sensors, and automated injection systems allows producers to optimize micronutrient timing and dosage, reducing waste while improving crop response rates.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price volatility of key mineral ores | -1.5% | National | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Farmer awareness gaps in micronutrient management | -0.8% | Northeast, North regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Regulatory scrutiny of synthetic chelating agents | -0.6% | National | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Competition from biofertilizers in organic systems | -0.4% | Southeast, South regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Price Volatility of Key Mineral Ores
Global commodity market instability is creating significant cost pressures across Brazil's micronutrient fertilizer supply chain. The prices of essential micronutrient raw materials have experienced extreme volatility, with zinc sulfate costs fluctuating 45-60% within 12-month periods due to mining disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting major producing regions. These cost pressures are forcing Brazilian farmers to delay micronutrient applications or substitute with lower-quality alternatives, potentially undermining long-term soil health and crop productivity goals.
Farmer Awareness Gaps in Micronutrient Management
Despite Brazil's advanced agricultural sector, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding optimal micronutrient management practices, particularly among smaller producers and in emerging agricultural regions. Research from the Federal University of Lavras indicates that over 60% of farmers in the MATOPIBA region lack a basic understanding of micronutrient deficiency symptoms and appropriate correction strategies. Extension services, while improving, remain insufficient to address the technical knowledge requirements for optimizing micronutrient applications across Brazil's diverse cropping systems and soil types.
Segment Analysis
By Product: Zinc Dominance Reflects Widespread Deficiency Patterns
Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market size for zinc products, anchoring a 28.70% share in 2024, as routine soil tests confirm pervasive deficits across the Cerrado and South. Molybdenum, though a fraction of total sales, commands a 9.22% CAGR on the back of its central role in biological nitrogen fixation, especially in soybean–corn double-cropping rotations.
Continuous high-yield harvests drain zinc and boron more rapidly than soils can replenish, pushing growers toward compounded blends that bring together those two elements with molybdenum for synergistic response. Iron and manganese enjoy steady demand in Southern acid soils, whereas copper garners rising interest in cane and coffee belts where cup quality fetches premium export differentials. Emerging categories such as nickel underline the industry’s widening scientific lens, with preliminary trials showing modest but consistent yield upticks when trace nickel accompanies core micronutrient suites
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Application Mode: Soil Application Maintains Dominance Despite Precision Trends
Soil application retains overwhelming market dominance with 95.0% share in 2024, reflecting Brazil's large-scale mechanized agriculture systems, where broadcast and banded applications align with existing equipment and operational practices. Fertigation represents the fastest-growing application mode at 6.71% CAGR, supported by Brazil's expanding precision agriculture infrastructure. This dominance stems from the cost-effectiveness of soil-applied micronutrients for extensive field crop production, where application rates of 2-6 kg/ha for zinc and manganese provide multi-season residual effects in Brazil's tropical soils
Foliar nutrition remains a niche for wide-acre row crops but enjoys traction in high-value horticulture, where small plot sizes and flexible spray windows justify higher per-hectare spending. The hybridization of foundation soil programs with tactical foliar boosts during pod-fill or fruit-set stages is gaining favor among progressive growers seeking to stabilize nutrient uptake under erratic rainfall regimes.
By Crop Type: Field Crops Drive Market Scale and Growth
Field crops generated 95.6% of total revenue in 2024 and are tracking a 6.26% CAGR, reflecting Brazil’s status as the world’s largest soybean exporter and a top-two corn powerhouse. Soybean fields alone ingest substantial zinc, boron, and molybdenum volumes as breeders push oil and protein ceilings ever higher. Horticultural crops, while representing a smaller market share, demonstrate higher per-hectare micronutrient consumption due to intensive production systems and quality requirements for export markets.
Brazil's expanding fruit and vegetable exports, particularly citrus, coffee, and tropical fruits, require comprehensive micronutrient programs to meet international quality standards and maximize shelf life. The horticultural segment benefits from higher value-per-hectare production that justifies premium micronutrient formulations, including chelated and controlled-release products. Turf and ornamental applications represent a niche but growing segment, concentrated in urban areas and golf course developments where aesthetic quality and stress tolerance drive micronutrient adoption.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market consumption varies sharply by region, mirroring soil chemistry, crop mix, and infrastructure maturity. Center-West states led by Mato Grosso absorbed national fertilizer deliveries in 2025, underpinned by 18 million hectares of soybeans and corn straddling nutrient-poor Oxisols that demand 40–60% more supplemental zinc and boron per hectare than the national average. Rapid mechanization, sizable farm units, and solid extension support accelerate uptake of variable-rate technologies that fine-tune micronutrient doses across vast field mosaics.
The Southeast ranks next in value, driven by São Paulo and Minas Gerais, where sugarcane, coffee, and citrus industries embrace premium chelated products that safeguard crop quality traits essential for export premiums. São Paulo’s logistic corridors shorten lead times for imported raw materials, while local research institutions feed continuous formulation trials that influence national recommendations. Coffee belts lean heavily on boron and zinc to curb bean malformation and maintain cup scores, whereas sugarcane mills favor multi-season soil-applied blends that support ratoon cycles.
Southern states such as Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul showcase integrated crop-livestock models in cooler climates, inducing distinct micronutrient demand profiles biased toward manganese and iron. MATOPIBA, although smaller today, registers the fastest growth thanks to ongoing land-conversion projects and government credit lines that mandate comprehensive soil correction plans, including micronutrients. Across all regions, MAPA’s tightened chelate regulations steer procurement teams toward biodegradable or bio-based ligands, gradually reshaping supplier portfolios.
Competitive Landscape
The Brazil micronutrient fertilizer market displays moderate concentration: the top five suppliers approach a good combined share, led by K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Nortox, Yara International, The Mosaic Company, and EuroChem Group. Multinationals leverage global ore access, R&D scale, and entrenched dealer networks to maintain leadership positions.
ICL’s USD 30 million purchase of local biologics specialist Nitro 1000 in February 2024 extends its scope into microbial nitrogen fixation and phosphorus-mobilization technologies that pair with chelated micronutrient lines. Haifa followed with a February 2025 controlled-release blending plant that customizes zinc-boron-molybdenum matrices for region-specific soil chemistries, trimming import lead times for coated granules. EuroChem bought distributor Adufértil in August 2024, deepening its reach into Western frontier zones where retail agronomy services influence product mix decisions.
White-space innovation revolves around nano-fertilizers, organo-mineral composites, and carbon-aligned nutrient portfolios. Domestic challengers such as Yoorin Fertilizantes exploit local ore deposits with low-carbon footprints, whereas Nutrisafra advances organo-mineral blends that embed micronutrients in humic matrices to boost root uptake. Stricter chelate regulations also open lanes for biological ligands that satisfy environmental screening without sacrificing stability.
Brazil Micronutrient Fertilizer Industry Leaders
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EuroChem Group
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K+S Aktiengesellschaft
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The Mosaic Company
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Yara International ASA
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Nortox S/A
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- February 2025: Haifa Group started a controlled-release fertilizer blending facility in Brazil to shorten delivery cycles and tailor micronutrient coatings for local soil profiles.
- December 2024: Brazil’s Federal Law No. 15,070/2024 introduces a regulatory change affecting the micronutrient fertilizer market. It incorporates biologically derived formulations into a unified bio-inputs framework, aiming to foster innovation and simplify market entry for sustainable nutrient solutions.
- October 2024: EuroChem is investing USD 36 million to expand storage capacity in Brazil's North, Northeast, and South regions. The projects include doubling the capacity of a facility near São Luís, among other initiatives. This investment is projected to strengthen the supply chain and improve the availability of micronutrient fertilizers in the Brazilian market, addressing regional demand more effectively.
Brazil Micronutrient Fertilizer Market Report Scope
Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc, Others are covered as segments by Product. Fertigation, Foliar, Soil are covered as segments by Application Mode. Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type.| Boron |
| Copper |
| Iron |
| Manganese |
| Molybdenum |
| Zinc |
| Others |
| Fertigation |
| Foliar |
| Soil |
| Field Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Turf & Ornamental |
| Product | Boron |
| Copper | |
| Iron | |
| Manganese | |
| Molybdenum | |
| Zinc | |
| Others | |
| Application Mode | Fertigation |
| Foliar | |
| Soil | |
| Crop Type | Field Crops |
| Horticultural Crops | |
| Turf & Ornamental |
Market Definition
- MARKET ESTIMATION LEVEL - Market Estimations for various types of fertilizers has been done at the product-level and not at the nutrient-level.
- NUTRIENT TYPES COVERED - Micronutients: Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mo, B, and Others
- AVERAGE NUTRIENT APPLICATION RATE - This refers to the average volume of nutrient consumed per hectare of farmland in each country.
- CROP TYPES COVERED - Field Crops: Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Fiber Crops Horticulture: Fruits, Vegetables, Plantation Crops and Spices, Turf Grass and Ornamentals
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fertilizer | Chemical substance applied to crops to ensure nutritional requirements, available in various forms such as granules, powders, liquid, water soluble, etc. |
| Specialty Fertilizer | Used for enhanced efficiency and nutrient availability applied through soil, foliar, and fertigation. Includes CRF, SRF, liquid fertilizer, and water soluble fertilizers. |
| Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRF) | Coated with materials such as polymer, polymer-sulfur, and other materials such as resins to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for its entire life cycle. |
| Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRF) | Coated with materials such as sulfur, neem, etc., to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for a longer period. |
| Foliar Fertilizers | Consist of both liquid and water soluble fertilizers applied through foliar application. |
| Water-Soluble Fertilizers | Available in various forms including liquid, powder, etc., used in foliar and fertigation mode of fertilizer application. |
| Fertigation | Fertilizers applied through different irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, micro irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, etc. |
| Anhydrous Ammonia | Used as fertilizer, directly injected into the soil, available in gaseous liquid form. |
| Single Super Phosphate (SSP) | Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus which has lesser than or equal to 35%. |
| Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) | Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus greater than 35%. |
| Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers | Fertilizers coated or treated with additional layers of various ingredients to make it more efficient compared to other fertilizers. |
| Conventional Fertilizer | Fertilizers applied to crops through traditional methods including broadcasting, row placement, ploughing soil placement, etc. |
| Chelated Micronutrients | Micronutrient fertilizers coated with chelating agents such as EDTA, EDDHA, DTPA, HEDTA, etc. |
| Liquid Fertilizers | Available in liquid form, majorly used for application of fertilizers to crops through foliar and fertigation. |
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 for each country.
- 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