Malaysia Fertilizer Market Size & Summary: Rising Demand, Sustainable Shifts, and Government Push Fuel Growth to 2033
How Malaysia’s agricultural reforms, precision farming, and palm oil expansion are reshaping the fertilizer landscape

The Malaysian fertilizers market is entering a new phase of expansion driven by a blend of rising agricultural demand, government-backed sustainability goals, and rapid technological adoption across farms. According to Renub Research, the Malaysia Fertilizer Market will reach US$ 1,325.58 Million by 2033, up from US$ 901.26 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.38% between 2025 and 2033.
This growth trajectory reflects Malaysia’s increasing focus on improving crop yields, supporting farmer welfare, promoting green farming alternatives, and sustaining one of its most important export-oriented sectors—palm oil.
Malaysia Fertilizer Market Overview
Fertilizers play a vital role in Malaysian agriculture, supporting high-demand crops such as oil palm, rice, vegetables, rubber, and fruit plantations. From improving soil fertility to maintaining strong yields, fertilizers are integral for safeguarding national food security.
Malaysia uses a mix of:
Chemical fertilizers (urea, NPK, ammonia-based)
Organic fertilizers (compost, manure, bio-fertilizers)
Bio-based and environmentally friendly formulations
As the nation leans into precision agriculture, farmers increasingly rely on tailored nutrient programs designed for specific soils, crops, and microclimates. Digital tools—including soil-sensing devices, GIS-based mapping, and smart nutrient applicators—are gradually entering mainstream agricultural workflows.
Government subsidies for key fertilizers, balanced nutrition mandates, and the push for climate-friendly farming practices reinforce long-term fertilizer consumption.
Key Market Outlook (2025–2033)
Market Indicators Details
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025–2033
Market Size 2024 US$ 901.26 Million
Market Size 2033 (Forecast) US$ 1,325.58 Million
CAGR (2025–2033) 4.38%
Historical Data 2020–2024
Major Market Growth Drivers
1. Rising Agricultural Activities and Demand for High-Yield Crops
Malaysia’s agricultural sector is expanding steadily due to increasing demand for both food crops and major cash crops. With the country’s population reaching 34.1 million in 2024, rising food consumption aligns with higher fertilizer usage.
Key factors accelerating fertilizer demand include:
Intensification of rice, vegetable, fruit, and oil palm farming
Farmers aiming for improved yields per hectare
Expansion of precision and controlled-release fertilizers
Government subsidies reducing cost burdens for farmers
The need to produce more with fewer resources continues to escalate fertilizer consumption.
2. Government Support, Subsidies & Policy Frameworks
Malaysia’s government plays a strategic role in ensuring fertilizer accessibility and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Key initiatives include:
National Agro-Food Policy (NAP 2.0) 2021–2030, emphasizing high-tech, resilient, sustainable agro-food systems
RM 2.6 billion allocation under Budget 2024 to subsidize inputs for fishermen and paddy farmers
Push for balanced fertilization, soil health, and biofertilizer innovation
R&D programs encouraging new fertilizer formulation technologies
These initiatives ensure stable demand while supporting long-term environmental goals.
3. Expansion of Oil Palm Plantations
Malaysia remains a global leader in the palm oil industry, and fertilizers are essential to maintaining plantation productivity.
Oil palm requires high quantities of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—making it one of the most fertilizer-intensive crops in the region.
Industry insights:
Plantations expanded by 12% between 2005 and 2015
Palm oil revenues hit USD 16.1 billion in 2019
Sustainability efforts under the 12th Malaysian Plan (2021–2025) align with SDGs
With global demand for palm oil strong, fertilizer inputs for the sector will remain a major market driver through 2033.
Key Market Challenges
1. Price Volatility of Raw Materials
Malaysia relies heavily on imports for crucial fertilizer inputs such as:
Potash
Phosphate
Nitrogen compounds
Global supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and currency fluctuations significantly raise production and retail costs. Because farmers, especially smallholders, are price-sensitive, soaring fertilizer prices can reduce application rates and affect overall crop yields.
2. Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Pressures
High use of chemical fertilizers has led to:
Soil degradation
Water contamination
Greenhouse gas emissions
In response, the government enforces stricter compliance standards and pushes for:
Organic fertilizers
Bio-fertilizers
Environmentally friendly alternatives
Precision nutrient management systems
While beneficial long-term, these measures increase compliance costs for producers and distributors.
Malaysia Fertilizer Market by Type
Nitrogen Fertilizers
Nitrogen fertilizers—including urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and NPK blends—dominate Malaysian agriculture. They are vital for:
Rice
Vegetables
Oil palm
Meanwhile, environmental concerns like soil acidification have increased interest in slow-release and eco-friendly nitrogen sources.
Ammonium Nitrate (N)
This quick-release nitrogen fertilizer is favored in oil palm estates due to its fast absorption characteristics. However, strict regulations around its explosive properties influence supply chain management and pricing.
Ammonium Phosphate (N)
Common variants include MAP and DAP, crucial for root development and early plant growth. These fertilizers are widely used in:
Rice fields
Vegetable farming
Horticultural crops
Increasing soil nutrient management awareness supports future adoption.
Organic Fertilizers
A fast-growing category driven by:
Rising demand for chemical-free vegetables
Government organic farming incentives
Improved soil microbial health
Constraints include higher costs compared to chemical fertilizers and limited supply.
Dry Fertilizers
Dry granular and powdered fertilizers remain popular due to:
Longer shelf life
Easy transportation
Cost-effectiveness
They are widely used in large-scale rice and oil palm applications but depend on rainfall or irrigation for activation.
Malaysia Fertilizer Market by Application
Agriculture
The largest segment, covering:
Rice
Oil palm
Fruits
Vegetables
Cereals
Technological innovations, government subsidies, and stronger export demand make this segment a primary revenue driver.
Horticulture & Gardening
Demand is rising for:
Home gardening fertilizer mixes
Organic compost
Specialty fertilizers for floriculture
Urbanization and lifestyle shifts are fueling small-scale fertilizer consumption.
Malaysia Fertilizer Market by Crop
1. Vegetables
High reliance on NPK blends. Organic and controlled-release fertilizers are gaining traction due to consumer demand for pesticide-free produce.
2. Soybeans
A small but expanding segment. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and bio-fertilizers are widely used to reduce synthetic fertilizer dependence.
3. Rice
Rice farmers heavily depend on:
Urea
Ammonium sulfate
Phosphate fertilizers
Government subsidies significantly support affordability and accessibility.
4. Oil Palm
The most fertilizer-intensive crop in Malaysia. Nutrient deficiencies directly reduce palm oil yields, making fertilizers a non-negotiable investment for plantation owners.
Market Segmentation Coverage
By Type
Nitrogen Fertilizers
Phosphate Fertilizers
Potash Fertilizers
By Nitrogen Fertilizer Category
Urea, Ammonia, Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Sulphate, NK, NPK, NP, and others.
By Category
Organic
Inorganic
By Form
Dry
Liquid
By Application
Agriculture
Horticulture
Gardening
Others
By Crop
Grassland, Vegetables, Fruits/Treenuts, Roots/Tubers, Sugar Crops, Fibre Crops, Oil Crops, Oil Palm, Soybeans, Maize, Rice, Wheat, Others.
Key Players in the Malaysia Fertilizer Market
Leading companies profiled across overview, strategy, product portfolio, and financials include:
Yara International ASA
K+S AG
CF Industries Holdings
Grupa Azoty S.A.
ICL Group
OCI NV
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
BASF SA
PhosAgro
These players focus on sustainable innovations, high-efficiency fertilizers, expansion of distribution networks, and farmer education initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia’s fertilizer market is on a steady upward trajectory, supported by agricultural expansion, government subsidies, sustainability movements, and technological upgrades. As the country strengthens its agricultural resilience—especially for critical crops like rice and oil palm—the demand for both traditional and sustainable fertilizers will continue climbing.
Between now and 2033, Malaysia's shift toward precision agriculture, eco-friendly fertilizers, and balanced nutrient management will shape the market’s next stage of evolution. Companies that innovate sustainably, strengthen local supply chains, and support farmers through knowledge sharing will emerge as long-term winners.
About the Creator
Renub Research
Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company. We have more than 15 years of experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys and Consulting. Call Us : +1-478-202-3244



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