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

US Herbicide Market Analysis

The US Herbicide Market size is estimated at 11.45 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 14.37 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.66% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The US herbicide industry continues to evolve with advancing agricultural practices and application methodologies. Soil application has emerged as the dominant mode of herbicide usage, representing 49.1% of total applications in 2022, driven by its effectiveness in pre-emergent and early growth stage weed control. This trend is complemented by foliar application methods, which accounted for 29.2% of the market in 2022, offering precise targeting capabilities for above-ground weed management. The industry's focus on optimizing application techniques has led to enhanced efficiency and reduced input costs for farmers, while maintaining effective weed control across various agricultural settings.

The agricultural landscape has witnessed significant transformation through the widespread adoption of genetically modified crops, which has fundamentally altered herbicide application patterns. As of 2022, GMO adoption rates reached remarkable levels with 94% of soybeans, 96% of cotton, and 92% of corn being genetically modified varieties. This high adoption rate has enabled farmers to implement more targeted and efficient herbicide applications, as these crops are engineered to withstand specific herbicide treatments while maintaining yield integrity. The integration of herbicide-tolerant crops has revolutionized weed management strategies, allowing for more flexible and effective control measures.

Technological advancement in herbicide formulations and application systems continues to drive industry innovation. In 2023, Bayer formed a strategic partnership with Oerth Bio to develop next-generation crop protection products, focusing on innovative protein degradation technology that aligns with sustainability goals. This collaboration exemplifies the industry's movement toward more sophisticated and environmentally conscious solutions. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to create herbicide formulations that offer improved efficacy while minimizing environmental impact, responding to both regulatory requirements and market demands for sustainable agricultural practices.

The industry has witnessed a significant shift toward precision agriculture and smart farming practices, incorporating digital tools and data-driven decision-making in herbicide application. Manufacturers are developing integrated solutions that combine traditional herbicide products with advanced application technologies, enabling more precise and efficient weed control. These developments are accompanied by a growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices, with companies focusing on developing products that offer effective weed control while minimizing environmental impact. The trend toward precision application has led to the development of sophisticated delivery systems that optimize herbicide usage while reducing waste and environmental exposure.

US Herbicide Market Trends

The increasing adoption of herbicide-tolerant crops is driving the consumption of herbicides

• The usage of herbicides in the United States is driven by several key factors. One contributing factor is the growing recognition of herbicides as essential tools for effective weed management in various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping.
• The persistence and adaptability of weeds have led to higher herbicide application rates and the use of multiple herbicides with different modes of action. The expansion of intensive farming practices has also played a significant role in boosting herbicide usage. To meet the increasing demand for food and maximize crop yields, farmers have strengthened their farming operations, leading to a greater reliance on herbicides for weed control.
• The adoption of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops has played a significant role in driving the consumption of herbicides. For instance, in 2020, GMO soybeans made up 94% of all soybeans planted, GMO cotton made up 96% of all cotton planted, and 92% of corn planted was GMO corn. These GM crops allow farmers to apply herbicides directly to the crop without causing harm, effectively controlling weeds while minimizing damage to desired plants.
• Changes in pesticide regulations can also influence patterns of herbicide consumption. The approval and availability of new pesticide formulations or active ingredients may contribute to increased herbicide usage. In July 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an interim re-approval for paraquat, which has further contributed to the growth of the herbicide market.
• As a result, the increasing adoption of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops and the expansion of intensive farming practices are expected to drive the consumption of herbicides in the United States during the forecast period.

Increasing weed infestation in major crops like corn, wheat, and sugarcane and need of herbicides in controlling various weeds may drive the market

• Weed infestation remains a significant challenge in agriculture in the United States, causing yield losses and increased production costs for farmers. Atrazine, paraquat, and glyphosate are commonly used herbicides in the United States.
• 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, it is also used in nursery/ornamental and turf management. It is priced at USD 13.8 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
• Paraquat dichloride, commonly known as "paraquat," stands as one of the extensively employed herbicides in the United States. It is also recognized by its popular end-use product name, Gramoxone. Paraquat plays a crucial role in managing weeds across diverse agricultural and non-agricultural environments. It is also used for the desiccation of crops, like cotton, prior to harvest. Paraquat was valued at a price of USD 4.6 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
• Glyphosate is a systemic, broad-spectrum, and post-emergent herbicide. The use of glyphosate has grown over the last decades, and it is currently one of the most used herbicides in the United States. Products containing glyphosate are sold in various formulations, including liquid concentrate, solid, and ready-to-use liquid. Glyphosate is used in products to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. In 2022, it was valued at a price of USD 16.6 thousand per metric ton.

Segment Analysis: Application Mode

Soil Treatment Segment in US Herbicide Market

Soil treatment has emerged as the dominant segment in the US herbicide market, commanding approximately 49% market share in 2024, while also demonstrating the strongest growth trajectory. This method is particularly favored in the cultivation of grains, cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, which collectively represent the major agricultural sectors in the United States. The segment's prominence can be attributed to its reputation as the simplest, safest, and most economical approach to chemical weed control solutions. Soil application of soil-active herbicides provides farmers with the advantage of targeting weeds during their early growth stages, effectively preventing their emergence and establishing a strong foundation for crop protection. The method's effectiveness is further enhanced by its ability to minimize losses due to photolysis, as the herbicides are protected once they come into contact with the soil. Additionally, the practice of applying soil herbicides before planting allows farmers to implement proactive weed management strategies, contributing to improved crop yields and quality.

Remaining Segments in Application Mode

The herbicide application market encompasses several other significant segments, including foliar application, chemigation, and fumigation, each serving distinct agricultural needs. Foliar application represents a crucial method, particularly valued for its precision in targeting specific weeds and its effectiveness in post-emergence weed control. Chemigation, which involves administering herbicides through irrigation systems, offers farmers an efficient way to combine weed control with water management, particularly beneficial in large-scale farming operations. The fumigation segment, while smaller in market share, plays a vital role in soil sterilization and controlling resilient, deep-rooted weeds that prove difficult to eliminate through other methods. Each of these application modes contributes uniquely to the comprehensive weed management strategies employed across various crop types and farming conditions in the United States.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Grains & Cereals Segment in US Herbicide Market

The grains and cereals segment dominates the US herbicide market, commanding approximately 45% market share in 2024, while also demonstrating the strongest growth trajectory with a projected growth rate of around 5% during 2024-2029. This segment's prominence is primarily attributed to the extensive cultivation of grains and cereals across the United States, particularly in the Heartland region where approximately 90 million acres are dedicated to corn cultivation alone. The segment faces significant challenges from various weed infestations, such as broadleaf weeds like giant ragweed, waterhemp, and Palmer amaranth, which can substantially impact crop yields and quality. The increasing demand for high-quality grains and cereals, coupled with the need to meet stringent market requirements, has driven farmers to adopt sophisticated herbicide solutions for agriculture in their cultivation practices. Additionally, the segment's growth is supported by the rising awareness among farmers about the benefits of using selective herbicides for effective weed management and the continuous introduction of advanced herbicide formulations specifically designed for grain and cereal crops.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The US herbicide market encompasses several other significant segments, including pulses & oilseeds, turf & ornamental, commercial crops, and fruits & vegetables. The pulses & oilseeds segment plays a crucial role in the market, particularly in controlling weeds in soybean cultivation and other oilseed crops. The turf & ornamental segment serves the specialized needs of golf courses, lawns, landscapes, and nurseries, offering targeted solutions for weed management in these settings. Commercial crops, including cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco, require specific herbicide applications to maintain crop quality and yield. The fruits & vegetables segment, while smaller in market share, remains vital for protecting high-value crops from weed infestations, particularly in specialized farming operations and intensive cultivation systems.

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