Global Metal Chelates Market

Metal Chelates Market Analysis

The Global Metal Chelates Market size is estimated at USD 578.80 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 934.90 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.20% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The need for increasing global food production has necessitated the maximum utilization of arable land with improving productivity. In this scenario, micronutrient fertilizers, such as metal chelates, are gaining popularity and are likely to play a major role in attaining stability and sustainability in producing food grains, pulses, and oilseeds.

Nutrient deficiencies can significantly reduce plant productivity, while excessive nutrient application can lead to toxicity. High accumulation of micronutrients in plants generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing extensive cellular damage. Plant root systems cannot differentiate between essential nutrients and toxic elements like lead and cadmium during uptake. In contaminated soils, these toxic elements enter the food web through nutrient uptake systems, reducing the absorption of essential nutrients and negatively affecting plant growth and quality. According to researchers from Japan, in 2022, concentrations of lead in agricultural soil in Namibia are near 3015 mg/kg. In contrast, concentrations of Zn in the soil in China are near 1140 mg/kg. In addition, the maximum concentrations of Zn and Pb were 27,870 and 2020 mg/kg in maize roots and 4180 and 6320 mg/kg in shoots, respectively.Therefore, to maintain the optimum balance of nutrients and ensure proper uptake of nutrients use metal chelates become neseccary.

Some major companies operating in the market are BASF SE, Deretil Agronutritional, Shandong Iro Chelating Chemical Co. Ltd, and AkzoNobel NV. These companies are focusing on innovation in terms of manufacturing various types of chelates. Recently, Protex International developed a range of synthetic EDDHSA and EDTA chelates authorized for organic farming use. Furthermore, they focus on increasing their market share by launching their products in various countries.

Metal Chelates Market Trends

Cereals and Grains are the Significant Segments by Crop Type

The grains and cereals segment includes rice, wheat, corn, and others. The global agricultural chelates market is led by the cereals and grains segment due to the increased need for food products and the growing global population. Rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is one of the most important cropping systems in South Asia. However, the sustainability of this system is under threat due to several factors, of which deficiency of micronutrients, particularly zinc, boron, and manganese, is a major problem. The usage of EDTA-chelated zinc gives the maximum residual effect to grain zinc concentration, grain, and straw yield.

Several research studies have revealed that Zn EDTA has higher penetration into the wheat leaf surface, due to the high stability of chelated zinc, compared to conventional zinc forms. This observation has led to increased application of zinc in chelated forms in wheat fields. Fe(II)-humic acid complexes provide iron to wheat plants under adverse soil conditions and provide stimulation to crop growth. The application of FeEDDHA and Fe-sugar acid chelates at 7 mg Fe/liter results in the re-greening of leaves in iron-deficient plants.

In various field experiments in wheat cultivation, it was found that the application of micronutrient combinations either in chelated or non-chelated forms gave greater biological and grain yields than individual applications of the micronutrients. Corn's high nutrient demands make chelated fertilizers particularly beneficial, as they aid in maintaining balanced growth, robust stalks, and healthy ear development. The utilization of chelated fertilizers in corn cultivation contributes to higher yields and better-quality crops, ultimately supporting food production and agricultural sustainability.

Asia Pacific Dominates the Market

By geography, Asia Pacific will dominate the market as the awareness of the consumption of nutrient products rises sharply. The deficiency of Boron and Zinc is high in most parts, which in turn affects the productivity and quality of crops. Farmers are now aware of this fact and are using more chelated micronutrients of zinc and boron.

As the country with the largest population, China has one of the most booming agricultural industries globally. With a rapid increase in population and the increasing demand for food, farmers are forced to grow crops with a higher yield, thus, increasing the demand for micronutrients and boosting the chelating agent market in the country. Metallic chelates are used in China as micronutrient fertilizers to supply plants with iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. The most common chelates used are EDTA, DTPA, and EDDHA. Recent studies have indicated that zinc deficiency is China's most widespread micronutrient deficiency. Nearly 50% of arable soils are low in zinc, limiting agricultural growth and improvement in human nutrition. In China, Zn-chelated fertilizers such as Zn-EDTA are widely applied to prevent zinc deficiency in cereal grains, including wheat.

Besides, agriculture is one of the primary sectors in Japan, contributing a major share to the country’s economy. However, due to the country’s mountainous terrain, the supply of agricultural land is limited, and hence, Japanese farmers must make the best use of the limited land for crop production. Hence, using chemical fertilizers and chelates to boost crop yield is pertinent in the country. Rice is the most important crop in Japan and is planted on most of the agricultural land. Other crops grown in the country include soybean, wheat, barley, and a large variety of fruits and vegetables. EDTA, NTA, and HEDTA are highly effective on rice crops, absorbing zinc and other minerals.

Metal Chelates Industry Overview

The global agricultural chelates market is consolidated, with major players including Yara, BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Innospec Inc, and Nufarm. Major players in the market have broadened their business to maintain their position in the market. Broadening the business by establishing new manufacturing units is the most adopted strategy by these companies. Further, various strategic initiatives were adopted by the existing players through mergers, acquisitions, and expansions.

.

Metal Chelates Market Leaders

Metal Chelates Market News

• January 2023: Nouryon acquired ADOB, a leading supplier of chelated micronutrients, folders, and other specialty agricultural solutions in Poland, to broaden its innovative crop nutrition portfolio.
• March 2022: The Haifa Group acquired Horticoop Andina, a wholesaler specializing in marketing nutritional products for agriculture located in Quito, Ecuador. Upon acquiring the brand, Haifa expanded its scope of activities in Ecuador and the surrounding Latin market. It continued to establish its status as an international super-brand in advanced plant nutrition.