Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 제초제 시장은 2025년 453억 달러를 차지하며 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 7.1%로 성장해 2032년에는 732억 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
제초제는 불필요한 식물을 제어하거나 제거하기 위해 특별히 설계된 화학 물질이며, 햇빛, 영양소 및 물 경쟁을 줄이기 위해 일반적으로 잡초라고 부르는 것을 모두 죽이는 비선택성, 주요 작물을 온존하면서 특정 잡초종을 죽이는 선택성 제초제가 있습니다. 또한 제초제는 효과적이지만, 그 사용은 건강면이나 환경면에서 리스크가 있기 때문에 보다 환경 친화적이고 지속 가능한 대체 농약의 개발이 진행되고 있습니다.
유엔 식량농업기관(FAO)에 따르면, 제초제는 세계의 농약 사용량에서 점점 중요성을 늘리고 있습니다. 제초제의 비율은 40%에서 50%로 상승하고, 제초제의 살포량은 121% 증가하여 살균 및 살박테리아제(54%)나 살충제(48%)의 성장률을 웃돌았습니다.
세계 식량 수요 증가
유엔은 증가하는 인구를 키우기 위해서는 2050년까지 세계 식량 생산량을 약 70% 증가시켜야 한다고 추정합니다. 잡초와의 경쟁은 방제하지 않으면 최대 30-50%의 수율 손실로 이어질 수 있으며 높은 작물 수율을 달성하기 위한 주요 장애 중 하나가 되고 있습니다. 농부는 잡초 방제에 빠르고 신뢰할 수 있고 확장 가능한 솔루션을 제공하는 제초제를 사용하여 작물 손실을 최소화하고 식량 공급 안정성을 보장할 수 있습니다. 게다가 지방종자, 곡물, 야채와 같은 고가치 작물에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 제초제 사용량도 증가하고 있습니다. 이 작물은 높은 품질과 수율 요구 사항을 충족하기 위해 정확한 잡초 방제가 필요합니다.
건강 및 환경 문제
제초제 시장을 제한하는 주요 요인 중 하나는 환경과 인간의 건강에 악영향을 미치는 오랜 역사입니다. 토양 침식, 수역을 오염시키는 유출수, 수생 생물과 수분 매개자를 비롯한 비표적 종에 의한 피해 등 지속적인 문제가 있습니다. 게다가 암과 다른 건강 피해와의 연관성이 지적됨에 따라 글리포세이트와 같은 화학물질은 국제적인 논쟁을 일으켜 사람들의 의식을 높이고 법적 조치를 촉구하고 있습니다. 깨끗하고 지속 가능한 농업을 추구하는 소비자의 요구가 높아짐에 따라 화학물질의 투입을 줄이는 압력이 커지고 있습니다. 특히 EU와 같이 규제 프레임워크이 화학물질 의존을 줄이는 방향으로 움직이는 지역에서는 그렇습니다.
바이오 제초제의 혁신과 지속 가능한 솔루션
바이오 제초제는 선택성이 있고 독성이 없으며 생분해성 식물 유래 또는 미생물 유래의 잡초 방제제입니다. 회사와 신흥 기업은 안전하고 효율적인 바이오 제초제를 시장에 투입하기 위해 연구 개발에 더 많은 자금을 투입하고 있습니다.
증가하는 규제상의 제한과 금지
주요 국가에서 사용 제한과 규제 금지가 증가하고 있는 것은 제초제 시장에서 가장 큰 위협 중 하나입니다. 또한, 이러한 규제 강화의 결과, 수요가 높은 제품이 시장으로부터 철거될 가능성도 있어, 제조업체는 제품의 대체, 재승인, 개량에 다액의 투자를 실시할 필요가 있지만, 대부분은 상업적으로 성공할 전망은 거의 없습니다.
COVID-19의 대유행은 제초제 시장에 다양한 영향을 미쳤지만, 처음에는 세계공급망, 노동력, 수송 물류를 혼란시켰고, 특히 중요한 작제 시즌에는 제초제의 생산과 유통에 지연이 생겼습니다. 그럼에도, 정부와 농가는 식량 안보와 안정된 작물 수량에 중점을 둔 팬데믹의 결과로서, 제초제의 계속적인 사용을 포함한 농업 생산성을 우선했습니다.
예측기간 중 곡물 및 곡류 부문이 최대가 될 전망
곡물 및 곡류 부문은 예측 기간 동안 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 생산성의 향상과 잡초 방제에서 수작업 감소가, 곡물 및 곡류에 있어서의 제초제 사용의 주된 이유입니다. 또한, 특정의 잡초를 타겟으로 하는 제초제 처방의 개발이, 이 분야에서 시장의 꾸준한 확대를 지지하고 있습니다.
잎 표면 부문은 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 잎 표면 분야에서 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 활성 성분을 표적 식물에 직접 전달하는 데 효과적이기 때문에 결과가 빠르고 화학약품의 사용량이 적어집니다. 또한, 잎면 살포형 제초제 부문의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있는 것은 제제 기술의 개발과 지속 가능한 농법에의 요구의 고조입니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이를 위한 효율적인 잡초 방제의 필요성 때문에 중국, 인도, 일본 등 국가들이 크게 공헌하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 유럽이 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 농법을 채용해, 친환경 제초제 제제의 개발에 투자하는 것으로, 환경에의 악영향을 억제하면서 작물의 수량을 늘리고 있습니다. 또한, 바이오 베이스나 유기농 제초제에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있는 것도, 이 분야에 있어서 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Herbicide Market is accounted for $45.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $73.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Herbicides are chemical substances specifically designed to control or eliminate unwanted plants, commonly referred to as weeds because they lessen competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water. These agents are widely used in agriculture to increase crop yields. Herbicides can be non-selective, meaning they can kill any vegetation they come into contact with, or selective, meaning they can kill particular weed species while sparing the main crops. Moreover, herbicides are effective, but their use also poses health and environmental risks, which has led to the creation of more environmentally friendly and sustainable substitutes.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), herbicides have indeed become increasingly prominent in global pesticide usage. Between 1990 and 2022, the share of herbicides in total pesticide use rose from 40% to 50%, and herbicide application volumes increased by 121%, surpassing the growth rates of fungicides and bactericides (54%) and insecticides (48%).
Increasing demand for food worldwide
The United Nations estimates that in order to feed a growing population, global food production will need to rise by about 70% by 2050. Weed competition, which can result in yield losses of up to 30-50% if not controlled, is one of the main obstacles to reaching high crop yields. Farmers can minimize crop losses and guarantee the stability of the food supply by using herbicides, which offer a quick, dependable, and scalable solution for weed control. Additionally, herbicide use has also increased due to the growing demand for high-value crops like oilseeds, cereals, and vegetables, which need precise, weed control to meet high quality and yield requirements.
Health and environmental issues
One of the main factors limiting the market for herbicides is their long history of negative effects on the environment and human health. Persistent problems include soil erosion, runoff contaminating water bodies, and damage from non-target species, including aquatic life and pollinators. Furthermore, because of their purported associations with cancer and other health hazards, chemicals like glyphosate have generated international controversy, raising public awareness and prompting legal action. Pressure to reduce chemical inputs is increasing as consumer demand for clean and sustainable agriculture rises, especially in areas like the European Union where regulatory frameworks are moving toward less chemical dependency.
Innovation in bio-herbicides and sustainable solutions
Bio-herbicides, which are plant-based or microbial weed control agents that are selective, non-toxic, and biodegradable, are becoming more popular due to intense regulatory pressures and growing environmental concerns. Particularly in developed markets like North America and the EU, organic and sustainable farmers are becoming more interested in these biological alternatives. Agrochemical firms and startups are spending more money on research and development in an effort to bring safe and efficient bio-herbicides to market. Moreover, environmentally friendly synthetic herbicides with fewer aftereffects are being created to satisfy shifting consumer and regulatory demands.
Growing regulatory restrictions and bans
The growing number of usage restrictions and regulatory bans in major economies is one of the biggest threats to the herbicide market. Because of growing concerns about groundwater contamination, environmental toxicity, and possible health risks to humans and animals, governments and environmental agencies are tightening regulations on the use of chemicals. Additionally, high-demand products may be taken off the market as a result of such regulatory crackdowns, requiring manufacturers to make significant investments in product replacements, reapprovals, and reformulations, many of which have little chance of being commercially successful.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the herbicide market, initially disrupting global supply chains, labour availability, and transportation logistics, which led to delays in herbicide production and distribution-especially during critical planting seasons. Many nations saw a reduction in access to agricultural inputs due to lockdowns and restrictions, which disproportionately affected developing nations and smallholder farmers. Nonetheless, governments and farmers prioritized agricultural productivity, including the continued use of herbicides, as a result of the pandemic's emphasis on food security and steady crop yields.
The cereals & grains segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The cereals & grains segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Crops like corn, wheat, rice, and barley are included in this section because they are essential to the production of food worldwide. In order to prevent weeds and improve crop yields, herbicides are widely used in this sector. Increased productivity and a decrease in manual labor in weed control are the main reasons for the use of herbicides in cereals and grains. Furthermore, developments in herbicide formulas that target particular weeds support the market's steady expansion in this segment.
The foliar segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the foliar segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Herbicides are sprayed directly onto plant leaves using this technique, which guarantees quick absorption and successful weed control. This expansion is ascribed to the growing use of foliar sprays, which are effective at delivering active ingredients straight to the target plants, resulting in faster outcomes and less chemical use. Moreover, driving the foliar herbicide segment's growth are developments in formulation technologies and the growing need for sustainable farming methods.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. The region's extensive agricultural practices, which are essential to the production of food worldwide, are credited with this dominance. Due to their extensive farming operations and the requirement for efficient weed control to guarantee high crop yields, nations like China, India, and Japan make substantial contributions. Additionally, the demand for herbicides in this area is further supported by the use of contemporary farming methods and government assistance for agricultural innovations.
Over the forecast period, the Europe region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. A growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture, more people using integrated pest management techniques, and supportive government regulations are some of the factors driving this growth. European nations are using precision farming methods and investing in the creation of eco-friendly herbicide formulations to increase crop yields while reducing their negative effects on the environment. Furthermore, the market's growth in the area is being aided by the growing demand for herbicides that are bio-based and organic.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Herbicide Market include Bayer AG, FMC Corporation, Nissan Chemical Industries Ltd., Drexel Chemical Company, Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm Limited, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Syngenta Group, BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, UPL Limited, AMVAC Chemical Corporation and Monsanto Company.
In February 2025, Nissan Chemical Corporation has announced that it has concluded a share transfer agreement with Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited for the acquisition of all of Nissan Chemical's shares in French company Philagro Holding, S.A.. Nissan Chemical has positioned Philagro and Kenogard as important sales bases in France and Spain, two of the world's leading agricultural nations.
In October 2024, Bayer and MOMA Therapeutics, Inc announced that they have entered into collaboration, under an option and exclusive license agreement, to develop and commercialize a small molecule oncology program based on MOMA's proprietary KNOMATIC(TM) platform. Under the agreement, Bayer will be responsible for completing further preclinical, development and commercial activities.
In July 2024, FMC Corporation announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Specialty Solutions (GSS) business to Environmental Science US, LLC, known as Envu, an environmental science company providing innovations that protect and enhance the health of environments around the world.