Introduction Sulphur coated urea is a controlled release fertiliser produced by coating hot urea by molten sulphur polyurethane oil or a microcrystalline wax. The ideal ratio comprises 30%–40% nitrogen and around 20% sulphur. Sulphur coated urea is specialised fertiliser that is coated with wither wax or polymer and releases nutrients slowly. Sulphur coated urea finds application predominantly in agriculture, golf courses, professional lawn care and turf, green houses, horticulture and nurseries.

Drivers & Restraints Growing concerns over sustainability and cost minimisation in the agriculture sector is driving demand for sulphur coated urea globally. Stringent regulatory framework on conventional fertilisers, concerns about eutrophication, and preferences for spending on luxury amenities such as household lawns and growing number of golf courses are some of the key factors supporting growth of the global sulphur coated urea market. Increasing urbanisation and income levels across the globe (especially in Asian economies) are anticipated to significantly contribute to the overall demand for sulphur coated urea in the near future. Conversely, increasing commercialisation and product innovation in alternative products such as polymer coated urea and higher cost of sulphur coated urea compared to conventional urea fertilisers are some minor factors restraining growth of the global sulphur coated urea market.

Analysis, by Region global sulphur coated urea market is segmented into North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Japan. Of these, North America and APEJ are the most prominent markets, both collectively accounting for over 60% value share of the overall market in 2015. APEJ is expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Growing food demand and decreasing per capita arable land are among the major factors responsible for increasing demand for sulphur coated urea in the region. Additionally, increasing focus of the urban population on recreational activities and luxury amenities such as golf course and lawn tennis turfs has added to rising demand for sulphur coated urea. The markets in Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and APEJ are expected to expand at a comparatively higher CAGR over the forecast period. Furthermore, new opportunities are anticipated to be created in the global market, with both multinational and regional niche players capitalising on these opportunities through cost-effective offerings in order to have a share of the pie in the global sulphur coated urea market.

Analysis, by Product Type By product type, the global sulphur coated urea market is segmented into polymer sulphur coated urea and wax sulphur coated urea. Of these two segments, polymer sulphur coated urea segment has been estimated to account for over 90% of the overall sulphur coated urea market in 2015. Polymer sulphur coated urea segment is anticipated to remain the dominant segment in the global sulphur coated urea market throughout the forecast period. More regulated nutrient supply as compared to wax sulphur coated urea and comparatively lesser cost than polymer coated fertilizers are some of the factors which are driving the segment globally.

Analysis, by Application By application, the global sulphur coated urea market is segmented into agriculture, golf courses, professional lawn care and turf, and others. Others segment includes greenhouses, nurseries and horticulture. Agriculture segment is estimated to be the most prominent segment in terms of market value share of the global sulphur coated urea market in 2015. Golf courses application segment is anticipated to expand at a comparatively higher CAGR than agriculture and other application segments over the forecast period.

Key Players Key players considered in the global sulphur coated urea market include Agrium Inc., Israel Chemicals Ltd., Syngenta AG, Andersons Inc., Yara International ASA, Haifa Chemicals Ltd., J. R. Simplot Company, Koch industries Inc. and Harrell’s LLC.