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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

By Renub ResearchPublished about a month ago 5 min read

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.

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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.

NatureScience

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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