North America Herbicide Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

North America Herbicide Market Trends

Advancements in herbicide formulations are driving adoption among North American farmers

• Herbicide consumption in North America has been increasing since 2017 and reached 5.6 kg per hectare of cropland. The United States is the largest consumer per hectare, with 2.7 kg/hectare in 2022.
• The increase in the emergence and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds has been an increasing concern for farmers in North America, resulting in the application of higher amounts of herbicides or multiple herbicides to control herbicide-resistant weeds. For instance, Palmer amaranth and common water hemp are resistant to glyphosate, Horseweed and Giant ragweed are resistant to multiple herbicides, and Kochia is resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides.
• Moreover, conservation tillage practices, such as no-till and reduced-till farming, have gained popularity in North America due to their environmental and soil health benefits. For instance, the number of farms practicing intensive tillage in the United States declined by 35% between 2012 and 2017, and a similar trend was observed in Canadian and Mexican agricultural farms. This decrease in intensive tillage has caused heavy reliance on herbicides to effectively control weeds.
• In addition, there is a growing demand for high-yielding crops to meet increasing food and feed requirements, which is boosting the need for higher herbicide usage. Farmers may rely on increased herbicide usage to effectively manage weed competition to maximize crop yields, ensuring optimal crop growth and productivity.
• Advancements in herbicide formulation technologies and the growing popularity of genetically modified crops have enabled farmers to apply herbicides directly to the crop, only affecting the weeds. These trends are further anticipated to increase herbicide usage per hectare of land in North America.

The rising yield losses due to weeds is driving the demand for herbicides, thereby driving the prices of herbicides

• Weed infestation remains a significant challenge in agriculture, causing yield losses and increased production costs for farmers. Atrazine, paraquat, and glyphosate are commonly used herbicides in North America.
• Atrazine, a systemic herbicide classified under the chlorinated triazine group, is employed to specifically target and manage annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they sprout. Herbicide formulations containing atrazine are approved for application on a range of agricultural crops, such as corn, sweet corn, sorghum, sugarcane, wheat, macadamia nuts, and guava. In addition, atrazine is used in nursery/ornamental and turf management. Its value in 2022 was recorded at USD 13.8 thousand per metric ton.
• Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as "paraquat," is a widely utilized herbicide in North America, renowned for its well-known end-use product name, Gramoxone, in the United States. Paraquat assumes a vital role in weed control across a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Additionally, it finds application in crop desiccation, such as cotton, before harvesting. In the year 2022, paraquat held a price of USD 4.6 thousand per metric ton.
• Glyphosate functions as a systemic and wide-ranging herbicide effective post-emergence. Its utilization has witnessed substantial growth in recent decades, positioning it as one of the most prevalent herbicides. Glyphosate-containing products are available in diverse forms, including liquid concentrate, solid, and ready-to-use liquid. This compound finds application in both agricultural and non-agricultural contexts to manage weed growth. As of 2022, the market value of glyphosate stood at USD 16.6 thousand per metric ton.

Segment Analysis: Application Mode

Soil Treatment Segment in North American Herbicide Market

Soil treatment dominates the North American herbicide market, accounting for approximately 49% market share in 2024, while also demonstrating the strongest growth trajectory among all application modes. This segment's prominence can be attributed to its effectiveness in applying pre-emergent herbicides, allowing farmers to proactively address weed control issues before they emerge. Soil-active herbicides are particularly valuable in weed management programs as they help tackle troublesome resistant weeds and slow down the development of herbicide resistance. The segment's success is further driven by its ability to provide long-lasting residual control and its compatibility with various active ingredients like oxadiazon, pendimethalin, and pretilachlor. Additionally, soil treatment's popularity stems from its ability to create a protective barrier that prevents weed seed germination, making it especially effective in row crops and broad-acre farming applications.

Remaining Segments in Application Mode

The remaining application modes in the North American herbicide market include foliar application, chemigation, and fumigation, each serving distinct purposes in weed control strategies. Foliar application represents the second-largest segment, offering targeted post-emergence control where herbicides are directly absorbed by weed foliage. Chemigation, which involves applying herbicides through irrigation systems, provides efficient distribution and water conservation benefits, making it particularly valuable in regions with water scarcity concerns. Fumigation, while representing a smaller share, plays a crucial role in specialized applications where volatile chemicals are used to destroy weed seeds in confined spaces or soil. Each of these application methods complements soil treatment in providing farmers with a comprehensive toolkit for effective weed control across various agricultural scenarios and crop types.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Grains & Cereals Segment in North America Herbicide Market

The Grains & Cereals segment dominates the North American herbicide market, commanding approximately 44% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive cultivation of corn, which is the major cereal crop in the region. The segment's dominance is attributed to the critical timing requirements for weed control, particularly during the first 3 to 5 weeks following crop emergence. Farmers must control weeds in cornfields before they reach 6 to 8 inches in height to prevent yield impacts. The segment also benefits from the need to manage persistent weed species such as Johnsongrass, nutsedge, and Bermuda grass, which significantly affect corn yields. Additionally, the segment demonstrates strong growth potential with a projected growth rate of around 5% from 2024 to 2029, driven by increasing demand for cereals and rising weed infestations.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The North American herbicide market encompasses several other significant segments including Pulses & Oilseeds, Turf & Ornamental, Commercial Crops, and Fruits & Vegetables. The Pulses & Oilseeds segment faces challenges from various broad-leaved weeds including Celosia argentea, Cleome viscosa, and Commelina benghalensis, driving the demand for herbicides like pendimethalin and imazethapyr. The Turf & Ornamental segment serves the specialized needs of lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and ornamental gardens. The Commercial Crops segment focuses on crops like sugarcane, cotton, coffee, and tea, while the Fruits & Vegetables segment addresses the unique weed management needs of horticultural crops. Each of these segments contributes to the market's diversity and overall growth, with specific weed management requirements and application methods.

North America Herbicide Market Geography Segment Analysis

North America Herbicide Market in the United States

The United States dominates the North American herbicide market, commanding approximately 85% of the total market value in 2024. The country's prominence in the market is primarily driven by its extensive agricultural operations and the widespread adoption of advanced weed management practices. The presence of major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, which require intensive weed control measures, significantly contributes to the market's growth. The increasing adoption of conservation tillage practices has led to greater reliance on herbicides for weed management. Furthermore, the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, particularly Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp, has prompted farmers to implement more sophisticated herbicide programs. The country's robust agricultural infrastructure, combined with strong research and development capabilities, continues to drive innovation in herbicide formulations and application technologies. The presence of leading agricultural companies and their extensive distribution networks ensures widespread availability of herbicide products across farming regions.

North America Herbicide Market in Canada

Canada's herbicide market is projected to experience robust growth with a CAGR of approximately 6% during 2024-2029. The country's market dynamics are significantly influenced by its extensive canola production, which requires comprehensive weed management strategies. The increasing adoption of sustainable farming practices and precision agriculture technologies has revolutionized herbicide application methods across Canadian farmlands. Canadian farmers are increasingly focusing on integrated weed management approaches, combining chemical controls with cultural and mechanical methods. The country's strong regulatory framework ensures the safe and effective use of herbicides while promoting environmental sustainability. The Prairie provinces, particularly Saskatchewan and Alberta, represent major consumption centers due to their extensive grain and oilseed production. Additionally, the growing awareness about herbicide resistance management and the introduction of new herbicide-tolerant crop varieties are reshaping application patterns and product preferences among Canadian farmers.

North America Herbicide Market in Mexico

Mexico's herbicide market demonstrates unique characteristics shaped by its diverse agricultural landscape and varying climatic conditions. The country's market is driven by the cultivation of key crops such as corn, sugarcane, and vegetables, each requiring specific weed management solutions. The implementation of the MAS-CAÑA pilot program has significantly influenced herbicide adoption patterns, particularly in the sugarcane sector. Mexican farmers are increasingly embracing modern agricultural practices, including improved herbicide application techniques and integrated weed management strategies. The presence of regulated weeds such as Rottboellia cochinchinensis and Cuscuta indecora has necessitated structured herbicide programs across different agricultural regions. The market is further supported by growing awareness about crop protection, improving agricultural infrastructure, and increasing focus on maximizing crop yields through better weed control measures.

North America Herbicide Market in Other Countries

The herbicide market in other North American countries, including Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, and Guatemala, exhibits distinct characteristics influenced by their specific agricultural needs and environmental conditions. These markets are characterized by increasing awareness about modern weed management practices and growing adoption of integrated pest management approaches. The agricultural sectors in these countries are gradually transitioning towards more sophisticated crop protection methods, with herbicides playing a crucial role in their farming practices. The focus on high-value crops, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector, drives the demand for specialized herbicide products. The market development in these regions is supported by improving agricultural infrastructure, growing farmer education programs, and increasing emphasis on crop yield optimization. The presence of international agricultural companies and their distribution networks ensures access to advanced herbicide products and application technologies.

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.