South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides & Bactericides), Origin (Synthetic & Biopesticides), Form, Mode of Application (Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment), Crop Type - Forecast To 2030
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The South America crop protection chemicals market is projected to reach USD 25.46 billion by 2030 from USD 20.18 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030. The South America biopesticides market for crop protection chemicals is predominantly advanced by commercial farming on a large scale and massive cultivation of crops like soybean, corn, wheat, and sugar. Demand for herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides is further supported by rising pressure from weeds, pests, and diseases that come alongside climate variability and resistance development. In this region, the market continues to grow with incorporated pest management, precision agriculture, and complementary biological solutions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
-
BY COUNTRYBrazil accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024.
-
BY TYPEBy type, the insecticides segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.2% during 2025-2030.
-
BY MODE OF APPLICATIONBy mode of application, the seed treatment segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.5%.
-
BY FORMBy form, the liquid segment is projected to grow at the highest rate from 2025 to 2030.
-
BY CROP TYPEBy crop type, the cereals & grains segment is expected to dominate the market.
-
BY ORIGINBy origin, the biopesticides segment is projected to grow at the highest rate from 2025 to 2030.
-
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - KEY PLAYERSBASF SE, Bayer AG, FMC Corporation, and Syngenta Group were identified as some of the star players in the South America crop protection chemicals market, given their strong market share and product footprint.
-
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - STARTUPS/SMEsRotam CropSciences, Ourofino Agrociência, and Nortox S.A. have distinguished themselves among startups and SMEs by securing strong footholds in specialized niche areas, underscoring their potential as emerging market leaders.
The South America crop protection chemicals market is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing pest and weed resistance, climate-induced disease pressure, and need to protect yield across large-scale commercial farming systems. Continued innovation in herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, along with rising adoption of precision agriculture, seed treatments, and integrated pest management practices, further supports market expansion across the region.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
A key trend in the South America crop protection chemicals market is the growing focus on the growing use of reduced-risk and integrated crop protection products. Farmers are increasingly resorting to the use of a combination of traditional insecticides, biologicals, seed treatments, and precision delivery systems to improve efficiency and align with regulatory and sustainability requirements. This has been driven by the need for resistance management, reduced concentrations of residues, and the increasing popularity of eco-friendly agriculture, which forced the industry to innovate, produce more precise products, and combined chemical biological lines tailored to the requirements of crops in specific locations.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
Level
-
Extensive commercial farming across South America drives steady demand for crop protection chemicals

-
Adoption of integrated crop management practices ensures regular use of chemical solutions
Level
-
Stringent regional regulations restrict availability of certain active ingredients
-
Increasing input costs and periodic inventory adjustments constrain sales growth
Level
-
Incorporating biologicals and seed treatment solutions can enhance existing chemical portfolios
-
Precision agriculture technologies allow more efficient and targeted chemical applications
Level
-
Development of weed and pest resistance diminishes chemical effectiveness
-
Supply chain and logistical disruptions impact formulation production and distribution reliability
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Extensive commercial farming across South America drives steady demand for crop protection chemicals
Heavy demand due to large-scale farming of crops to control weeds, pests, and diseases on a massive scale. Crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton need to be constantly protected with herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to secure crop development. Factors such as the need to increase the use of machinery and prioritize crop output help maintain public acceptance of crop protection on a large scale.
Restraint: Stringent regional regulations restrict availability of certain active ingredients
Ongoing re-registration reviews, combined with increasingly stricter residue limits and advancing environmental risk assessments, can entail compliance costs as well as label restrictions or the withdrawal of some chemistries. The above constraints further limit the available options for growers and would slow the introduction of new active ingredients throughout the United States and Canada.
Opportunity: Incorporating biologicals and seed treatment solutions can enhance existing chemical portfolios
The growing acceptance of biologicals and seed treatment solutions creates the best potential for the South America crop protection chemicals market, coming as an add-on to conventional chemical portfolios. Producing biologicals and seed-applied chemistries enables early pest and disease control, reduced repetition in foliar applications, and more resistance management strategies. By combining these solutions, manufacturers can provide more complete, sustainable crop protection offerings that are compliant with regulatory expectations and evolving grower preferences.
Challenge: Development of weed and pest resistance diminishes chemical effectiveness
Increasing resistance among weeds and pests, making traditional products and modes of action less effective, is one of the biggest challenges faced by the crop protection chemicals industry in the South America market. The over-reliance on the same modes of action has caused weeds and insects to become resistant, thus increasing the costs involved in their control.
SOUTH AMERICA CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Integrated herbicide and fungicide programs designed for large-scale soybean and corn cultivation | Improved control of complex weed and disease pressures, leading to higher yield stability and more consistent field performance |
|
|
Broad-spectrum fungicides and insecticides applied across cereals, fruits, and vegetables | Enhanced crop quality, reduced yield losses from pests and diseases, and better compliance with market and residue standards |
|
|
Advanced seed treatment and foliar protection solutions for row and specialty crops | Strong early-season pest and disease protection, uniform crop establishment, and improved overall plant vigor |
|
|
Targeted herbicide programs addressing resistant weed populations in major row crops | Effective resistance management, improved weed control efficiency, and sustained farm productivity over multiple seasons |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
Some of the prominent companies in this market include well-established and financially sound manufacturers of crop protection chemical products. These companies have been operational in the market for over a decade and have diversified portfolios, latest technologies, and excellent global sales and marketing networks. The South America crop protection chemicals ecosystem comprises manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and end users. Key manufacturers like Corteva Agriscience, UPL Limited, Certis Biologicals, and BASF have strong presence in South America.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Type
The South America crop protection chemicals market constitutes four major segments: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and bactericides. Insecticides hold the largest share of the market, supported by prevalent cultivation of row crops and the need for control of resistant weed species across corn, soybean, and wheat acreage. Insecticides find a great extent of use in controlling increasing insect pressure arising from climate variability and intensive agricultural practices. Fungicides and bactericides are critical in preventing crop losses due to diseases, particularly in cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Current trends, including an emphasis on resistance management, sophisticated formulation technologies, and subsequent integration with biological solutions, are, therefore, continuing to mold demand across all product types.
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Mode of Application
The South America crop protection chemicals market is segmented by mode of application into seed treatment, soil treatment, and foliar application. Foliar application dominates the market because of its flexibility and efficiency to manage in-season weed, pest, and disease outbreaks across row and specialty crops. Seed treatment is gaining popularity because of its early-stage protection, increase in crop establishment, and reduction in the need for multiple foliar sprays. Soil treatment is used to manage soil-borne pests, diseases, and nematodes, especially in high-value crops. Furthermore, advancements in formulation technology and precision application tools are enhancing the efficacy of and adoption for all application modes on a continuous basis.
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Form
The South America crop protection chemicals market by form has been broadly categorized into liquid and solid. Liquid formulations are backed up by their larger proportion of ease of handling, uniform coverage, and compatibility with modern spraying equipment and precision application systems. These formulations are well-suited for foliar and soil applications among both row and specialty crops. On the other hand, solid formulations, in the form of powders and granules, would be preferred for seed treatments and certain particular applications in the soil where controlled release and stabilization were needed. Continuous advancements in formulation stability as well as dispersion and safety put forward demand for both types.
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Origin
The South America crop protection chemicals market by origin is segmented into synthetic chemicals and biopesticides. Synthetic crop protection chemicals tend to dominate the market for these reasons: proven efficacy, broad spectrum of activity, and reliability on a large scale in row crop farming. Biopesticides are gaining ground because of regulatory pressure to adopt microbial, biochemical, and botanical solutions; concern about resistance; and sustainability goals. The increasing integration of biopesticides in IPM programs with conventional chemistries has changed the composition of product portfolios as well as helped in achieving a balanced growth of the market.
South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Crop Type
The South America crop protection chemicals market is segmented by crop type into cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, and fruits and vegetables. Cereals and grains account for a large share because a significant area is planted in corn, wheat, and barley, which in turn drives high demand for herbicides and fungicides. Oilseeds and pulses, especially soybeans and canola, benefit from integrated weed and pest management programs to safeguard yields. Fruits and vegetables were the most lucrative category because they are usually associated with high insecticidal and fungicidal application to meet quality and residue standards.
REGION
Brazil to be the fastest-growing country in the South America crop protection chemicals market during the forecast period
Brazil is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the South America crop protection chemicals market because of its widespread and increasing production of soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and other staple and high-value crops. Its demand for herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to combat the rising pressures due to pests, weeds, and diseases, coupled with the growing use of precision agriculture and integrated pest management practices and a diversified package of chemical and biological solutions, render Brazil well above any other regional market in terms of growth acceleration.

SOUTH AMERICA CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
Star companies, such as FMC Corporation, are typically regional generic biopesticide manufacturers with strong brand equity, broad and diversified biopesticide portfolios, and substantial market influence. Emerging Leaders, like Koppert Biological Systems, are expanding rapidly in South America with innovative, eco-friendly rodenticides and integrated pest-management solutions. Participants maintain steady operations, and Pervasive Players hold a moderate market presence.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- Bayer AG (Germany)
- BASF SE (Germany)
- Corteva Agriscience (US)
- Syngenta Group (Switzerland)
- FMC Corporation (US)
- UPL Limited (India)
- ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. (Israel)
- Nufarm Limited (Australia)
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Rotam CropSciences (Hong Kong)
- Bioceres Crop Solutions (Argentina)
- Ourofino Agrociência (Brazil)
- Nortox S.A. (Chile)
- Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands)
- Certis Biologicals (US)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 (Value) | USD 20.18 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 (value) | USD 25.46 Billion |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.8% during 2025-2030 |
| Years Considered | 2020-2030 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2030 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million/Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Countries Covered | Brazil, Argentina |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: SOUTH AMERICA CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET REPORT CONTENT GUIDE

DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| South America-based Crop Protection Manufacturer |
|
|
| Global Agrochemical Multinational |
|
|
| South America-based Agribusiness/Agritech Firm |
|
|
| Regional Distributor/Formulator |
|
|
| Investor/Private Equity Firm |
|
|
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
-
In June 2025, Ourofino Agrociência launched a new premium fungicide named Dotte. This systemic product combines the active ingredients prothioconazole and picoxystrobin in a concentrated suspension (SC) formulation, specifically designed for soybean disease control, including Asian rust and leaf spot.
- In October 2025, Nufarm Americas Inc. registered with the EPA two formulations containing the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole: Naxypro and Naxypro Plus. These solutions ensure prolonged protection against harmful lepidopteran pests that affect the target field and specialty crops cultivated in South America.
- In April 2025, UPL introduced the herbicide Brucia for maize, targeting resistant and persistent weeds to improve overall crop productivity and sustainability.
- In March 2025, Albaugh Brazil released the insecticide Sultan for soybeans, cotton, rice, and sugarcane, delivering rapid control of key insect pests.
Table of Contents
Exclusive indicates content/data unique to MarketsandMarkets and not available with any competitors.
Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, peer, and parent markets. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation were used to estimate the market size of segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
This research study involved the extensive use of secondary sources—directories and databases such as Bloomberg Businessweek and Factiva—to identify and collect information useful for a technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market.
In the secondary research process, various sources such as annual reports, press releases & investor presentations of companies, white papers, certified publications, articles from recognized authors, gold & silver standard websites, directories, and databases were referred to identify and collect information. This research study involved the extensive use of secondary sources—directories and databases such as Bloomberg Businessweek and Factiva—to identify and collect information useful for a technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market.
Secondary research was mainly used to obtain key information about the industry’s supply chain, the total pool of key players, and market classification and segmentation as per the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after obtaining information regarding the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market scenario through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from both the demand and supply sides across South America. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews. The primary sources from the supply side included various industry experts, such as Chief X Officers (CXOs), Vice Presidents (VPs), Directors from business development, marketing, research, and development teams, and related key executives from distributors and key opinion leaders. Primary interviews were conducted to gather insights such as market statistics, data on revenue collected from the products and services, market breakdowns, market size estimations, market forecasting, and data triangulation. Primary research also helped in understanding the various trends related to mode of application, crop type, type, form, origin, and region.
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market. These approaches were also used extensively to estimate the size of various dependent submarkets. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:
- Key players were identified through extensive secondary research.
- Primary and secondary research determined the industry’s value chain and market size.
- All percentage share splits and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All the possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
- The following figure provides an illustrative representation of the complete market size estimation process implemented in this research study for an overall estimation of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market in a consolidated format.
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall market size from the estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. Data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were employed, wherever applicable, to estimate the overall South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market and arrive at the exact statistics for all segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from the demand and supply sides. The market size was also validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
According to FAO, a crop protection chemical means a pesticide product intended to prevent, destroy, or control any pest causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport /or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, and wood and wood products.
Crop protection chemicals are used to protect crops from diseases, pests, and unwanted weeds & grasses, ultimately resulting in better yield. These chemicals include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and other such chemicals that can either be synthetically or naturally produced. Crop protection chemicals are preferred over seed treatment chemicals and genetically modified (GM) crops because of their high effectiveness and easy application. Crop protection chemicals can be used in liquid or solid form and are widely applied to cereals & oilseeds and fruits & vegetables. They are mainly applied through seed treatment, soil treatment, and foliar spray.
Key Stakeholders
- Crop protection chemical manufacturers
- Crop protection chemical importers and exporters
- Crop protection chemical traders, distributors and suppliers
- Pesticides manufacturers
- Research institutes and organizations
- Government bodies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
-
Regulatory Bodies
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- European Crop Protection Agency (ECPA)
- Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association (PMFAI)
- China Crop Protection Industry Association (CCPIA)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
- European Food Safety Authority
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Department Of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
- Directorate Of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage
-
Commercial Research & Development (R&D) Institutions and Financial Institutions
Report Objectives
Market Intelligence
Competitive Intelligence
Available Customizations:
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to company-specific scientific needs.
The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis
Geographic Analysis
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to company-specific scientific needs.
Company Information
-
- To determine and project the size of the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market with respect to the mode of application, type, form, origin, crop type, and region, over five years, ranging from 2024 to 2029.
- To identify the attractive opportunities in the market by determining the largest and fastest-growing segments across the key regions
-
To analyze the demand-side factors based on the following:
- Impact of macro-and micro-economic factors on the market
- Shifts in demand patterns across different subsegments and regions.
- Identifying and profiling the key players in the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market
-
Providing a comparative analysis of market leaders based on the following:
- Product offerings
- Business strategies
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Key financials
- Understanding the competitive landscape and identifying the major growth strategies players across the country adopt.
- Providing insights on key product innovations and investments in the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market.
- Product Matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Europe into Belgium, Luxemburg, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Asia Pacific into New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Oceania (tropical Pacific islands), and South Korea.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of South America into Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
- Detailed analyses and profiling of additional market players (up to five)
-
Need a Tailored Report?
Customize this report to your needs
Get 10% FREE Customization
Customize This ReportPersonalize This Research
- Triangulate with your Own Data
- Get Data as per your Format and Definition
- Gain a Deeper Dive on a Specific Application, Geography, Customer or Competitor
- Any level of Personalization
Let Us Help You
- What are the Known and Unknown Adjacencies Impacting the South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market
- What will your New Revenue Sources be?
- Who will be your Top Customer; what will make them switch?
- Defend your Market Share or Win Competitors
- Get a Scorecard for Target Partners
Custom Market Research Services
We Will Customise The Research For You, In Case The Report Listed Above Does Not Meet With Your Requirements
Get 10% Free Customisation
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market