Single superphosphate (SSP) market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the increased demand to improve crop yield and quality, Single superphosphate availability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other phosphorous fertilizers globally. The primary raw material for phosphate fertilizers, which are essential for healthy and productive crops, is phosphate rock. According to the International Fertilizer Association (IFA), in June 2023, the most popular phosphate fertilizers derived from phosphate rock include ammonium phosphates, superphosphates, and NPK fertilizers. Global phosphate fertilizer consumption was estimated at 49 million tons (Mt) of P2O5. Global phosphate rock resources are assessed at over 300 billion tons. IFA further projected that global phosphate fertilizer demand would increase to 63-72 metric tons (Mt) P2O5 by 2050 depending on the agricultural and nutrient management scenarios. Accounting for non-fertilizer uses and processing losses, the study projects annual phosphate rock production requirements of between 78 and 100 Mt P2O5 in 2050.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Government Policies and Subsidies

The increasing subsidies and policies by the government related to fertilizer enhance the production and demand of single superphosphate in agriculture regions to provide farm productivity and food security top priority. According to the Fertiliser Association of India, in March 2023, with effect from May 2021, NBS rates for P-containing fertilizers were revised. The NBS rate of P increased by about 204.0% from Rs. 14.888 ($0.2) per kg to Rs. 45.323 ($0.6) per kg. With this steep increase, the subsidy rate for SSP increased by 184% from Rs. 2643 per ($35.6) MT in 2020-21 to Rs. 7513 per ($101.4) MT during 2021-22. It remained unchanged at this level until 2022-23 despite an increase in per kg nutrient rates of ‘P’ and NBS policy.

Increasing Demand for High-Efficiency Fertilizers

To maximize crop yields and minimize their impact on the environment, farmers are searching for fertilizers with a higher nutritional content and release. The demand for fertigation—the process of applying fertilizer through irrigation systems—specialty blends, and controlled-release fertilizers is being driven by this trend. Superphosphate is a rapid-acting fertilizer that promotes robust root development to establish healthy plants and increase yields and ripening. Superphosphate is ideal for transplanting cuttings, flowers, trees, and shrubs. It can sustain fruit, root, and seed crops.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the form, the market is segmented into powder and granules.

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into zincate and boronate.

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into horticultural, agriculture, pasture, and others (fertilizer).

Granules is Projected to Hold the Largest Segment

The granules segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factors supporting the growth include owing to their convenient application and higher plant nutrient uptake provided by granular SSP. Additionally, SSP in granular form helps to facilitate easy transportation by preventing powder spills in the air. The cultivation of sugarcane, oil seeds, paddy, vegetables, and fruits all frequently uses granular SSP. According to the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), in June 2023, SSP was produced in both powder as well as granular forms. Out of 102 SSP plants, about 84 units have the facility to produce granular SSP. Out of 84 granulated SSP units, 73 units have reported the details of production and dispatch of granulated SSP for 2022-23. Based on the information received from these units, total production of granulated SSP arrived at 2.9 million metric tons (MT) and dispatch of 2.9 million MT during 2022-23.

Zincate Segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The zincate segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the market. Zincate single superphosphate has a significant impact on internode elongation and growth hormone synthesis that improves a plant's physiological processes. Increases the activity of enzymes, which enhances plant metabolism and stops deficiencies in plants from occurring, such as undersized leaves, chlorosis, and slowed growth. Plants need zinc for the production of their genes. In plants, zinc facilitates phosphorus transfer. For instance, Jubilant offers Zincate single superphosphate having 16.0% phosphorous, 11.0% sulfur, 21.0% Calcium with 0.5% Zinc, and various other trace elements & gypsum. 

Regional Outlook

The global single superphosphate market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Growing Demand for Single Superphosphate in North America

• The regional growth is attributed to the increased demand for SSP and is anticipated to increase owing to its lower cost. Furthermore, all other fertilizer products—aside from urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP)—can be combined with SSP. Compared to other fertilizers, it has a longer shelf life. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently about eight fertilizer facilities producing normal superphosphates in the US with an estimated total production of about 273,000 megagrams (Mg) (300,000 tons) per year. Normal superphosphate fertilizer material containing 15.0% to 21.0% phosphorus as phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5).

• The primary source of non-acid-based phosphate is ground phosphate rock. It is utilized in the synthesis of single superphosphate (SSP), normal superphosphate (NSP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) as well as an input for compound fertilizers that include mixtures of the three main nutrients (NP, NPK, and PK). According to the Grain Farmers of Ontario, the global wet acid balance is currently operating at just over 75.0% of capacity. Considering an effective operating rate of 82.5% (maximum rate on a sustainable basis), that leaves a global capacity surplus of close to 4.0 million metric (MM) tons P2O5. That surplus is expected to grow over the next five years as capacity expansions outweigh growth in demand. By 2026, the global P2O5 surplus is projected to grow to just under 5.0 million tons.

Global Single Superphosphate Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Asia-Pacific holds a significant share owing to numerous prominent single superphosphate companies and providers such as Aries Agro Ltd., Krishana Phoschem Ltd., Rama Phosphates Ltd., Shree Pushkar Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., and Tianjin Crown Champion Industrial Co., Ltd., in the region. The regional growth is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for food across countries including India, China, Japan, and South Korea. With its efficiency and affordability, SSP is growing increasingly in demand as a phosphorus fertilizer as attention on sustainable agriculture techniques grows. Innovations and technological developments in SSP production processes are improving productivity and lessening their negative effects on the environment. According to the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), in June 2023, Superphosphate Statistical Service, all India production of SSP at 448.7 thousand metric tons (MT) during March 2023 registered an increase of 8.9% over March 2022. All India's capacity utilization of SSP increased from 44.4% in March 2022 to 46.8% during March 2023. Total dispatches of SSP at 439.3 thousand MT during March 2023 were 6.6% higher than the level of March 2022. The total annual production capacity of SSP plants increased from 12.1 million metric tons (million MT) during 2021-22 to 12.3 million MT during 2022-23 due to the commissioning of two new SSP plants in Gujarat. In addition, some SSP plants reported modification/upgradation in their annual production capacity during the year. There are 102 SSP plants of which, 93 plants were in operation during 2022-23. 

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the single superphosphate market include Haifa Group, ICL Group, OCP Group, Ostwal Group of Industries, and SPIC Ltd., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

Recent Development

• In January 2023, OCP Group and India entered a strategic partnership to supply India with up to 1.7 million metric tons (MT) of phosphate fertilizers for the agricultural season over the next twelve months. The agreements provide for up to 700,000 MT of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), a phosphate-based fertilizer that has the highest phosphate content found in nitrogen-free granular fertilizers and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of plants and soils in India.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the single superphosphate market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.