
South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market Analysis
The South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size is estimated at USD 0.85 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.01 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Agriculture forms the foundation of South American food production, and maintaining safety and hygiene in agricultural environments is essential for crop and livestock health. Agricultural disinfectants play a vital role in protecting both land and animals from diseases and contaminants that can reduce yields and cause economic losses. These disinfectants eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to create a safer and more productive farming environment. The agricultural sector has adopted advanced protected cultivation systems, such as greenhouses, to increase productivity. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Brazil utilized 6,000 greenhouses in 2023, producing about 1.5 million metric tons of tomatoes and other crops annually. These systems offer sustainable and economical methods for fruit and vegetable production. In such controlled environments, disinfectants are crucial for protecting crops from insects, pests, and diseases.
Disinfectants and biocides play an essential role in crop production by reducing plant disease-related losses. Their applications include surface disinfection, irrigation system sanitization, nutrient solution treatment, and comprehensive disinfection of greenhouses, storage halls, and cold rooms. Modern agricultural practices utilize various irrigation methods, including drip irrigation systems (top feeder, dripping systems) and conventional sprinkler systems. However, systems with reduced water flow and smaller pipes face increased risks of biofilm formation and bacterial and fungal colonization. In narrow pipes, these biofilms can create blockages through bacterial slime and biofilm accumulation, potentially damaging plant sections if not addressed promptly. The irrigation system's structure can also facilitate the spread of plant diseases, with particularly harmful fungi such as Pythium primarily transmitted through contaminated irrigation networks.
The agricultural disinfectants market in South America is driven by increased demand for livestock products and frequent livestock disease outbreaks. In 2024, Brazil implemented a self-imposed export ban on chicken meat, eggs, and poultry products after confirming a Newcastle Disease outbreak at a farm in Anta Gorda, Rio Grande do Sul. This embargo affects 60,000 metric tons of monthly international trade. The president of ABPA (Brazilian Association for Animal Protein), Ricardo Santin, stated that the self-embargo announced by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock aligns with existing sanitary agreements and demonstrates the country's commitment to transparent production safety protocols.
South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market Trends
Rising Livestock Production Drives Disinfectant Demand
The livestock industry significantly contributes to South America's economy, food security, and poverty reduction. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Brazil led cattle production in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023 with 48 million heads of cattle. Argentina ranked second with 13.7 million heads, followed by Uruguay with 2.6 million heads. The region accounts for 23 percent of global beef production and 22 percent of global beef exports. Livestock products serve as a fundamental food source in the region, providing 21 percent of daily calorie supply and 50 percent of protein intake.
The United States Department of Agriculture forecasts Argentine beef production to reach 3.17 million metric tons of carcass weight equivalent in 2025, a 2% increase from the previous year. Cattle slaughter is anticipated to rise marginally to 13.8 million head, driven by a slight increase in the cattle herd and robust calf crops from 2022 and 2023, which will supply the 2025 slaughter. Additionally, Brazil's live cattle exports reached 583,000 head in 2023, marking a substantial increase according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
In South America, disinfectants are vital for maintaining animal health and ensuring livestock product safety. These products are essential in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks through proper hygiene maintenance in animal housing, equipment, and vehicles. For instance, on November 25, 2023, Argentina's National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) reported positive results for an unspecified alphavirus in equine samples from Corrientes and Santa Fe provinces. Additionally, on February 14, 2023, Argentina confirmed its first avian influenza case in wild birds, which subsequently spread to backyard and commercial poultry, and affected the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) in Tierra del Fuego. The implementation of biosecurity measures, including comprehensive disinfection of surfaces, water, and air within livestock facilities, is critical for pathogen control. The market primarily uses quaternary ammonium chloride salts, hydrogen dioxide, peroxyacetic acid, and hypochlorites and halogens, available as powders and liquids. These preventive measures support productive and safe livestock farming operations, meeting the growing demand for livestock products and consequently driving disinfectant demand during the forecast period.

Argentina Dominates the Market
Argentina holds a significant market share for agricultural disinfectants in South America. The growth in livestock farming operations and the expansion of protected cultivation facilities are driving the market growth for disinfectants in the country. However, limited awareness about proper disinfectant usage in agriculture remains a challenge. The increasing need to improve agricultural productivity has prompted the adoption of advanced protected cultivation systems, moving agricultural operations indoors. Argentina needs to increase its food production substantially to meet the demands of its growing population. Greenhouse cultivation has proven to be sustainable, productive, and economically viable for fruit and vegetable production. According to the Argentine Committee of Plastics for Agricultural Production Statistics, in 2023, Argentina had 6,517 hectares of intensive greenhouse crops, with vegetables accounting for 84% of the cultivated area and floriculture comprising the remaining 16%. This expansion in the protected cultivation area is projected to drive the growth of the agricultural disinfectants market.
Argentina's corn production relies on disinfectants to protect crop health and maintain yields. Argentina, as one of the world's major corn producers, depends on disinfectants throughout the cultivation process. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that Argentina produced 41.7 million metric tons of corn in 2023. Farmers apply disinfectants to seeds before planting to eliminate pathogens that could affect germination and initial growth. Throughout the growing cycle, disinfectants help control fungal infections and other diseases that can spread across corn fields. These treatments are essential for maintaining corn quality and production volumes, particularly in managing threats like corn stunt disease.
Swine production in Argentina has experienced significant growth and modernization in recent decades. The country's pork industry benefits from Argentina's position as one of the world's largest grain producers, ensuring a steady feed supply for pigs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, swine production increased from 5.4 million heads in 2022 to 5.8 million heads in 2023. Disinfectants play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks in Argentine swine farms. The farms face continuous challenges from diseases such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Implementation of proper disinfection protocols helps control these diseases and minimize their impact on swine health and productivity.

South America Agricultural Disinfectants Industry Overview
The South American agricultural disinfectants market is consolidated, with a few global players leading the market with a highly diversified product portfolio and several acquisitions and agreements taking place to gain a major share in the industry. Some of the major players in the industry include DuPont, Neogen Corporation, Stepan Company, Lanxess AG, and Zoetis Services LLC are some of the major players who are operating in the region. The companies are not only competing based on product quality or product promotion but are also focused on other strategic moves, like acquisitions and expansions, to acquire a larger share and expand their acquired market size.
South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market Leaders
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DuPont
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Neogen Corporation
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Stepan Company
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Zoetis Services LLC
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Lanxess AG
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market News
- April 2024: Neogen Corporation introduced Neogen Farm Fluid MAX, with dual-action disinfectant that addresses challenging farm conditions and integrates with the Neogen Pathogen Programme. The product specifically targets coccidiosis control, effectively destroying oocysts and disrupting the protozoa cycle. Testing shows it inactivates up to 100% of sporulated and non-sporulated oocysts. When diluted to 2%, the disinfectant demonstrates effectiveness against multiple field strains of Eimeria oocysts, including E. tenella, E. maxima, and E. acervulina.
- November 2021: Lanxess AG acquired a disinfection and hygiene solutions provider, Theseo. The technical expertise and broad portfolio of Theseo will strengthen the position of Lanxess AG in the growth of animal hygiene.
South America Agricultural Disinfectants Industry Segmentation
Agricultural disinfectants are chemical or biological substances that eliminate harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, in farming and livestock environments. For this report, disinfectants that are used in sanitizing crop cultivation locations, majorly greenhouses, playhouses, indoor farms, and other protected cultivation, as well as those used for sanitizing livestock farms, have been considered as the scope of the market. The South America agricultural disinfectant market is segmented by Chemical Type (Quaternary Ammonium Chloride Salts, Hydrogen Dioxide and Pyeroxyacetic Acid, Hypochlorites, and Halogens, and Other Chemical Types), Form (Liquid, and Powder), End User (Livestock Farming, and Crop Cultivation), Application (Surface, Aerial, Water Sanitizing, and Crop Type), and Country (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America). The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.
Chemical Type | Quaternary Ammonium Chloride Salts |
Hydrogen Dioxide and Pyeroxyacetic Acid | |
Hypochlorites and Halogens | |
Other Chemical Types | |
Form | Liquid |
Powder | |
End User | Livestock Farming |
Crop Cultivation | |
Application | Surface |
Aerial | |
Water Sanitizing | |
Country | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America |
South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market Research FAQs
How big is the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market?
The South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size is expected to reach USD 0.85 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.5% to reach USD 1.01 billion by 2030.
What is the current South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size?
In 2025, the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size is expected to reach USD 0.85 billion.
Who are the key players in South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market?
DuPont, Neogen Corporation, Stepan Company, Zoetis Services LLC and Lanxess AG are the major companies operating in the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market.
What years does this South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size was estimated at USD 0.82 billion. The report covers the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South America Agricultural Disinfectants Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.