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

South America Herbicide Market Analysis

The South America Herbicide Market size is estimated at 15.47 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 19.64 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The South American herbicide industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by the expansion of agricultural activities and the adoption of modern farming practices. The region's agricultural sector faces mounting challenges from weed infestations, with studies showing that uncontrolled weed growth can result in complete crop failure, with yield losses reaching up to 100%. Farmers are increasingly adopting precision agriculture techniques and integrated chemical weed control strategies to optimize herbicide application and improve efficiency. The adoption of no-till and minimum-tillage practices has created new challenges in weed control, particularly for perennial weeds, driving the need for more sophisticated herbicide solutions.

The industry is witnessing a critical shift in weed management approaches due to growing concerns about herbicide resistance. In Argentina, where herbicide consumption rates reached 7.4 kg/ha in 2022, farmers are facing challenges with resistant weed species such as fleabane, pigweed, and johnsongrass. This has led to an increased focus on developing innovative weed killer formulations with different modes of action and implementing rotation strategies to prevent resistance development. Agricultural research institutions and chemical companies are collaborating to develop more effective solutions for managing resistant weed populations.

Technological advancements are revolutionizing chemical weed control application methods across South America. The integration of precision agriculture technologies, including GPS-guided application systems and variable rate technology, is enabling more targeted and efficient herbicide use. Soil treatment has emerged as a preferred application method, particularly in regions with advanced agricultural infrastructure. These technological innovations are helping farmers optimize herbicide usage while minimizing environmental impact and reducing operational costs.

Environmental sustainability has become a central focus in the plant protection industry, with increasing emphasis on developing eco-friendly solutions. The impact of weeds on crop yields remains significant, with barnyard grass alone capable of reducing rice yields by up to 30% when left uncontrolled. This has led to increased research and development efforts focused on creating weed killer formulations that maintain efficacy while reducing environmental impact. Agricultural companies are investing in sustainable farming practices and developing integrated agricultural weed control solutions that combine chemical and biological control methods to achieve optimal results while minimizing environmental footprint.

South America Herbicide Market Trends

Argentina dominated South America in the consumption of herbicides due to the favorable soil conditions for weed infestation

• Weeds are unwanted and undesirable plants that interfere with the utilization of land and water resources and thus adversely affect crop yields. Yield losses in crops due to weeds depend on several factors, such as weed emergence time, type of weeds, and crop type. Weeds can result in 100% yield loss if left uncontrolled. Herbicides are chemicals used to manipulate or control undesirable weeds. Herbicides are effective and operative tools to control weeds, allowing yields to be achieved efficiently with less energy than mechanical practices.
• Argentina dominated South America in consumption of herbicides at a rate of 7.4 kg/ha in 2022. Argentina has diverse soil types, ranging from fertile soils in the Pampas region to sandy and loamy soils in the arid areas. Different weed species are adapted to specific soil conditions, allowing them to thrive and spread in different areas of the country. Fleabane, pigweed, johnsongrass, fingergrass, goosegrass, barnyard grass, and ryegrass are considered the most important weeds.
• Brazil has the second-highest herbicide consumption rate of 5.3 kg/ha in 2022. Brazil has a predominantly tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year in most regions. High temperatures provide favorable conditions for weed growth, as they accelerate the germination, growth, and reproduction of many weed species. Commelina benghalensis, Conyza spp., Cyperus spp., Bidens pilosa, and Sorghum halepense are some of the major weed species found in Brazil.
• South America has vast areas of arable land, particularly in countries like Brazil and Argentina, which drives the demand for herbicides. The clearing of land for cultivating large-scale crops contributes to the need for effective weed control, thereby increasing the demand for herbicides.

effectiveness in controlling various herbicides and dependency on imports from other countries may raise the price of Atrazine herbicides in the region.

• Atrazine is a herbicide belonging to the chemical class of triazines and is widely used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in various crops. The price of atrazine in South America was USD 13.81 thousand in 2022. Atrazine's mode of action as a herbicide involves inhibiting the photosynthesis process in plants. It specifically targets the photosystem II (PSII) protein complex in chloroplasts, disrupting the plants' ability to convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. This leads to the accumulation of toxic byproducts and, ultimately, the death of the targeted weeds.
• Paraquat is a widely used herbicide belonging to the chemical class of bipyridylium compounds. It primarily controls various broadleaf and grassy weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Due to its rapid action and non-selective nature, paraquat is commonly used as a pre-plant or pre-emergence herbicide to control weeds before crops emerge. It is effective in a wide range of crops, including cotton, corn, soybeans, sugarcane, and various other crops. Paraquat was priced at USD 4.6 thousand in South America in 2022.
• Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide belonging to the chemical class of organophosphonates. It is a non-selective systemic herbicide, meaning it can effectively control a broad range of weeds in various crops. The price of glyphosate in South America was USD 1.1 thousand in 2022. Glyphosate's effectiveness, broad-spectrum activity, and relatively low cost have made it a popular choice for weed control for farmers in the region. However, its use has been controversial due to concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.

Segment Analysis: Application Mode

Soil Treatment Segment in South American Herbicide Market

Soil treatment dominates the South American herbicide market, accounting for approximately 49% market share in 2024. This is driven by its effectiveness in creating a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating and reduces weed pressure throughout the growing season. The segment's prominence is attributed to its ability to provide comprehensive weed control by allowing residual herbicide to penetrate the soil and reach weed seeds and roots at early stages. The method is particularly popular in major crops like pulses, oilseeds, grains, and cereals, where pre-emergent weed control is crucial for crop establishment. Furthermore, soil treatment is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory with a projected growth rate of around 5% during 2024-2029, supported by the increasing adoption of precision agriculture practices, soil testing technologies, and the rising awareness among farmers about the economic benefits of early-stage weed management.

Remaining Segments in Application Mode

The other significant application modes in the South American herbicide market include foliar herbicide application, chemigation, and fumigation. Foliar herbicide application represents the second-largest segment, offering targeted and efficient weed control through direct application to plant leaves, making it particularly effective for post-emergence weed management. Chemigation has gained traction due to its ability to combine irrigation and herbicide application, making it especially valuable in water-scarce regions and areas with well-developed irrigation infrastructure. Fumigation, while representing a smaller share, plays a crucial role in specialized applications, particularly in enclosed spaces and for soil-borne weed control, offering unique advantages in specific agricultural scenarios.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Pulses & Oilseeds Segment in South America Herbicide Market

The pulses and oilseeds segment dominates the South American herbicide market, accounting for approximately 48% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the extensive cultivation of crops such as soybeans, dried beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils, peanuts, sunflowers, sesame, and cowpeas across the region. The segment's prominence is particularly evident in major agricultural countries like Brazil and Argentina, where soybean cultivation faces significant challenges from weed infestations. Amaranthus palmeri, a prevalent weed species in soybean-producing regions, can cause yield losses ranging from 20% to 63% depending on infestation severity. The high economic importance of these crops, combined with the substantial impact of weed-related yield losses, has made agricultural herbicide application an essential practice in this segment.

Grains & Cereals Segment in South America Herbicide Market

The grains and cereals segment is projected to experience robust growth at approximately 5% CAGR during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing challenges in weed management across wheat, corn, rice, and rye cultivation. The segment's expansion is particularly influenced by the rising adoption of no-tillage practices, which has led to difficulties in controlling perennial weeds like alligator weed, field bindweed, johnsongrass, and quack grass. Barnyard grass, a particularly problematic weed in rice cultivation, can reduce yields by up to 30% if left uncontrolled. The increasing resistance of weeds to conventional herbicides and the need for more effective selective herbicide solutions in grain and cereal crops are expected to drive continued growth in this segment.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The commercial crops segment, encompassing cotton, sugarcane, cocoa, and coffee, plays a vital role in the herbicide market, particularly in managing specific weed challenges like giant bristlegrass and sourgrass. The fruits and vegetables segment addresses unique weed management needs across diverse crops including mangoes, apples, tomatoes, and onions, with particular focus on preventing yield losses and maintaining crop quality. The turf and ornamental segment, while smaller, serves specific needs in golf courses, parks, and landscaping applications, dealing with distinctive weed challenges that affect aesthetic appeal and overall health of these areas. Each of these segments contributes to the market's diversity by addressing specific crop protection requirements and weed management challenges through the use of systemic herbicide solutions.

South America Herbicide Market Geography Segment Analysis

Herbicide Market in Brazil

Brazil dominates the South American herbicide market, commanding approximately 53% of the total market value in 2024. The country's vast agricultural landscape, particularly in soybean, corn, and sugarcane production, drives substantial herbicide demand. The prevalence of resistant weeds in certain areas, coupled with estimated production losses of 10-20% due to crop-weed competition, has resulted in significant economic impact on farmers. The country's predominantly tropical climate provides favorable conditions for weed growth, with species like Commelina benghalensis, Conyza spp., and Cyperus spp. posing major challenges to crop cultivation. Brazilian farmers are increasingly adopting modern agricultural practices and integrated agricultural weed control strategies to combat these challenges. The market is particularly strong in the pulses and oilseeds segment, which has shown robust demand for effective chemical weed control solutions. The country's commitment to agricultural productivity and food security continues to drive innovation in herbicide applications and usage patterns.

Herbicide Market in Argentina

Argentina's herbicide market is projected to grow at approximately 6% during 2024-2029, marking it as the fastest-growing market in the region. The country's diverse agricultural landscape, spanning regions like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe, faces significant weed-related challenges that impact crop yields. Six predominant weed species, including fleabane, pigweed, johnsongrass, goosegrass, finger grass, and barnyard grass, pose major threats to agricultural productivity. The country's agricultural sector has shown increasing sophistication in weed management practices, with a particular focus on soil-applied weed killer. The adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and precision farming methods has enhanced the efficiency of herbicide applications. Argentina's strong focus on soybean, corn, sunflower, wheat, and barley cultivation continues to drive the demand for specialized weed killer solutions. The market's growth is further supported by the country's robust agricultural infrastructure and increasing awareness among farmers about the importance of effective plant protection strategies.

Herbicide Market in Chile

Chile's herbicide market demonstrates unique characteristics shaped by its diverse agricultural landscape and specific crop requirements. The country's agricultural sector, particularly strong in fruit and vegetable production, faces distinct weed management challenges that require specialized herbicide solutions. Chilean farmers have increasingly adopted modern farming practices, including precision agriculture and integrated agricultural weed control systems. The market is characterized by a strong focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance, with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) playing a crucial role in monitoring and regulating herbicide use. The country's varied climate zones, from arid northern regions to temperate southern areas, necessitate a diverse range of herbicide products to address different weed challenges. The fruit and vegetable segment dominates the herbicide market, reflecting Chile's position as a major exporter of these crops. The adoption of new technologies and sustainable farming practices continues to shape the evolution of herbicide use in Chilean agriculture.

Herbicide Market in Other Countries

The herbicide market in other South American countries, including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Paraguay, exhibits diverse characteristics based on their specific agricultural needs and challenges. These countries are experiencing an expansion of agricultural land to meet increasing food demand, driving the need for effective weed management solutions. The agricultural sectors in these nations face unique challenges related to climate variations, soil conditions, and weed resistance patterns. Local farming practices and crop diversification strategies influence herbicide adoption patterns across these markets. The focus on sustainable agriculture and environmental protection has led to increasing emphasis on integrated weed management approaches. These markets are characterized by growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of proper herbicide application and timing. The development of distribution networks and technical support services continues to enhance market accessibility and product adoption in these regions. Regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among these countries contribute to the overall development of their herbicide markets.

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