US Crop Protection Chemicals Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

US Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analysis

The US Crop Protection Chemicals Market size is estimated at 21.35 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 26.54 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.45% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States maintains its position as a global agricultural powerhouse, with crop protection chemicals playing a vital role in sustaining agricultural productivity and food security. The country's dominance in the North American crop protection market, holding an 82.4% market share in 2022, reflects its substantial agricultural operations and advanced farming practices. This prominence is particularly evident in major crop segments like wheat, where U.S. production reached 1.65 billion bushels in 2021, establishing the country as one of the world's leading wheat producers. The agricultural sector's evolution continues to be shaped by the increasing adoption of sustainable farming practices and precision agriculture technologies, which are transforming how crop protection products are applied and managed.

The industry landscape is experiencing significant technological advancement and innovation, particularly in product development and application methods. In 2023, Bayer's strategic partnership with Oerth Bio exemplifies this trend, focusing on developing next-generation crop protection products using innovative protein degradation technology. This collaboration represents a broader industry shift toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions. The sector has also witnessed notable product innovations, such as Bayer's introduction of Luna Flex Fungicide in late 2022, demonstrating the industry's commitment to developing more effective and targeted solutions for specific crop protection challenges.

The floriculture sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the crop protection chemicals market, with 9,558 producers spread across 17 states in 2021. This specialized segment, which generated $2.3 billion in sales from annual bedding and garden plants alone, represents a growing market for specialized plant protection chemicals. The expansion of commercial farming operations, particularly in specialized crops like sunflowers, which covered approximately 1.29 million acres in 2021, has created new opportunities and challenges for agrochemicals manufacturers.

The industry is witnessing a transformation in distribution and application methods, with increasing emphasis on precision application technologies and integrated pest management approaches. Strategic industry collaborations, such as the 2022 partnership between BASF and Corteva Agriscience to provide specialized weed control solutions for soybean farmers, demonstrate the sector's move toward more targeted and efficient crop protection solutions. These partnerships are driving innovation in application technologies and formulation development, leading to more effective and sustainable agricultural chemicals solutions that address specific agricultural challenges while minimizing environmental impact.

US Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends

The rise in herbicide-resistant weed species is necessitating higher application rates for better control

• There has been significant growth in the consumption of pesticides per hectare in the United States. In 2022, this consumption increased by 618 g per hectare compared to 2017. Several factors contributed to this escalated use of pesticides per hectare, including climate change. The prevalence of tropical and subtropical warm and humid conditions in various regions has created favorable environment for cultivating diverse crops. However, this same climate has also fostered the growth of weeds, pests, and diseases, necessitating a higher application of pesticides to protect crops and maintain productivity.
• Among all crop protection chemicals, herbicides experienced a significant increase in consumption, rising by 462 g per hectare in 2022 compared to 2017. This surge may be mainly attributed to the rise in herbicide-resistant weed species. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the country, serves as the primary method of weed control for most farmers due to its cost-effectiveness compared to other alternatives. However, the extensive use of glyphosate has led to the development of resistance in weed species, with 14 different weed species showing resistance against glyphosate. As a result, the consumption of herbicides per hectare has increased.
• In the country's tropical and subtropical regions, monoculture practices and the adoption of no-tillage practices are prevalent. These practices have resulted in the proliferation of pests and diseases, leading to significant crop losses and a substantial rise in the consumption of fungicides and insecticides per hectare. Specifically, between 2017 and 2022, there was an increase of 43 g per hectare in fungicide usage and 115 g per hectare in insecticide usage.

Effectiveness in controlling various insects such as aphids, beetles, spotted ball worms, pink ball worms, early spot borers, and hairy caterpillars, and limited availability of active ingredients in the country is raising the price

• In 2022, cypermethrin was priced at USD 21.2 thousand per metric ton. It has been widely adopted in the agricultural industry for its effectiveness in controlling various types of insects, including aphids, beetles, spotted ball worms, pink ball worms, early spot borers, and hairy caterpillars. Its effectiveness has made it a popular choice for farmers seeking to protect their crops from pests and ensure a successful harvest.
• Atrazine, a systemic herbicide belonging to the chlorinated triazine group, is utilized for targeted control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds prior to their emergence. Pesticide formulations containing atrazine are approved for application on various agricultural crops such as corn, sweet corn, sorghum, sugarcane, wheat, macadamia nuts, and guava, in addition to non-agricultural applications like nursery/ornamental and turf management. Atrazine was priced at USD 13.8 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
• Malathion is used to control a wide range of pests, including aphids, fleas, and other sucking pests on several valuable crops. Five crops that are extensively grown in the United States that use malathion frequently are cherry tomatoes, broccoli, mulberries, cranberries, and figs. Malathion was priced at USD 12.6 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
• Mancozeb is a broad-spectrum contact fungicide that is labeled for use on many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and field crops in the United States. It provides protection against a wide spectrum of fungal diseases, including potato blight, leaf spot, scab, and rust. It serves as a seed treatment for crops such as potatoes, corn, sorghum, tomatoes, and cereal grains. In 2022, its market value reached USD 7.8 thousand per metric ton.

Segment Analysis: Function

Herbicide Segment in US Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The herbicide segment dominates the US crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 53% market share in 2024, valued at nearly 10.9 billion USD. This significant market position is primarily driven by the persistent challenges posed by various troublesome weeds, including chickweed, mallow, mares tail, cheat chickweed, henbit, and nettle. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by its effectiveness in the application of pre-emergent herbicides, particularly through soil treatment methods, which account for a substantial portion of herbicide usage. Additionally, the segment is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory with a projected growth rate of around 5% during 2024-2029, driven by the rising weed infestations which have significantly impacted domestic and international demand while raising concerns about food security. The increasing adoption of soil treatment using herbicides can be attributed to its effectiveness in the application of pre-emergent herbicides, making it a preferred choice among farmers for comprehensive weed management.

Remaining Segments in Function Segmentation

The US crop protection chemicals market encompasses several other important segments beyond herbicides. Insecticides represent the second-largest segment, playing a crucial role in protecting crops from various pests such as aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. Fungicides serve as essential tools for managing various fungal diseases affecting crops, particularly in regions with humid conditions favorable for fungal growth. Nematicides are specifically designed to control soil-dwelling nematodes that can cause significant damage to crop roots, while molluscicides address the specific challenge of snail and slug infestations in various crops. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the overall market dynamics, offering farmers comprehensive solutions for different pest management challenges across various crop types and growing conditions.

Segment Analysis: Application Mode

Foliar Segment in US Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The foliar application method continues to dominate the US crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 40% market share in 2024. This method's prominence can be attributed to its ability to deliver pesticides precisely and directly to the plant's above-ground parts, such as leaves, stems, and fruits. The foliar method proves highly effective in controlling fungal diseases on the leaves and stems of crops while ensuring that the chemical effectively targets and reaches the areas where pest infestation has occurred. Its versatility and user-friendliness make it particularly appealing to farmers, as it allows for quick response in controlling diseases and provides flexibility in application timing. The method's effectiveness in delivering pesticides directly to affected plant parts serves both as a preventive measure and an immediate solution for pest and disease control.

Soil Treatment Segment in US Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The soil treatment method is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory in the US crop protection chemicals market, projected to grow at approximately 5% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing awareness among farmers regarding soil health and effective pest and disease management. The method's effectiveness in providing long-lasting and preventive approaches to pest control, particularly in targeting soil-dwelling pests like nematodes and soil-borne insects and diseases, has contributed to its rapid adoption. Herbicides, which account for a significant portion of soil treatment applications, are particularly effective in suppressing weed growth and preventing competition for resources with desired crops. The method's success in managing a diverse array of soilborne diseases, pests, and weed species continues to drive its adoption among farmers seeking comprehensive crop protection solutions.

Remaining Segments in Application Mode

The other application modes in the US crop protection chemicals market include chemigation, seed treatment, and fumigation, each serving specific purposes in crop protection. Chemigation has gained traction due to its ability to provide precise and uniform distribution of chemicals throughout fields when combined with irrigation systems. Seed treatment offers targeted protection during the crucial early stages of plant development, helping control various seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens. Fumigation, while representing a smaller segment, plays a vital role in soil sterilization and pest control, particularly in high-value crops and storage facilities. These methods complement the primary application modes and provide farmers with a comprehensive toolkit for addressing various crop protection challenges throughout the growing season.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Grains & Cereals Segment in US Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The grains and cereals segment dominates the US crop protection chemicals market, commanding approximately 45% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily attributed to the extensive cultivation area dedicated to these crops, accounting for about three-quarters of the total crop area in the United States. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the persistent challenges posed by various troublesome weeds, including chickweed, mallow, mares tail, cheat chickweed, henbit, and nettle, which have been major causes of substantial yield losses. Herbicides hold a significant share within this segment, primarily due to these ongoing weed management challenges. The United States' position as a major global producer and exporter of grains and cereals, particularly wheat and corn, has necessitated robust crop protection measures to maintain quality standards and meet international market demands.

Growth Trajectory of Grains & Cereals Segment in US Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The grains and cereals segment is projected to maintain its strong growth momentum with an estimated CAGR of approximately 5% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is driven by several factors, including the escalating crop losses and a growing emphasis on crop protection and productivity enhancement. The increasing adoption of advanced farming practices and the need for higher agricultural productivity to meet rising food demand are contributing to this growth. Additionally, the evolution of resistant weed species and emerging pest challenges in grain crops has necessitated more sophisticated and comprehensive crop protection solutions. The segment's growth is further supported by ongoing developments in crop protection formulations specifically designed for grain and cereal crops, along with the increasing awareness among farmers about the importance of preventive pest management strategies.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type Segmentation

The US crop protection chemicals market encompasses several other important segments beyond grains and cereals. Pulses and oilseeds represent a significant portion of the market, with farmers increasingly focusing on protecting these high-value crops from various pests and diseases. The fruits and vegetables segment demonstrates unique requirements for crop protection, particularly in terms of maintaining product quality and meeting stringent food safety standards. Commercial crops, including tobacco, coffee, and cotton, require specialized crop protection solutions due to their specific pest and disease challenges. The turf and ornamental segment serves a distinct market niche, focusing on aesthetic value preservation and plant health in non-food crop applications. Each of these segments contributes to the market's diversity and drives innovation in crop protection solutions.

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.