Middle East and Africa Seaweed Fertilizers Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Size

• The Middle East and Africa seaweed fertilizers market size was valued at USD 838.48 thousand in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,493.59 thousand by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.53% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the rising demand for sustainable, organic agricultural practices
• Furthermore, seaweed fertilizers enhance crop yield and nutrition. These converging factors are accelerating the uptake of seaweed fertilizers solutions, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Analysis

• Seaweed fertilizers, derived from natural seaweed extracts, are gaining importance in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to enhance soil health, improve crop yields, and provide eco-friendly nutrient supplementation for various crops
• The growing demand for organic and sustainable farming practices, combined with increasing awareness about the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, is driving the adoption of seaweed fertilizers
• Saudi Arabia is expected to dominate the seaweed fertilizers market with the largest revenue share of 35.73% in 2025, supported by well-established organic farming sectors, government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture, and a high number of innovative product launches by key market players
• Saudi Arabia is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the seaweed fertilizers market during the forecast period, fueled by rapid agricultural modernization, increasing farmer awareness, and rising disposable incomes
• The ascophyllum segment is expected to dominate the seaweed fertilizers market with a market share of 43.53% in 2025, driven by its ease of application, rapid absorption by plants, and effectiveness in improving plant stress tolerance and nutrient uptake

Report Scope and Seaweed Fertilizers Market Segmentation

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Trends

“Rising Demand for Sustainable, Organic Agricultural Practices”

• A major driving force behind the Middle East and Africa seaweed fertilizers market is the rising Middle East and Africa shift towards sustainable and organic agricultural practices, fueled by growing consumer health consciousness and environmental awareness. This trend encourages farmers to adopt eco-friendly farming methods that avoid synthetic chemicals.
• For instance, in November 2023, USDA Economic Research Service reported that increasing consumer demand for organic fruits and vegetables has steadily expanded organic cropland acreage since 2000, with organic produce sales surpassing USD 22 billion in retail in 2022
• Seaweed fertilizers, naturally rich in essential nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and micronutrients, align perfectly with organic farming goals by enhancing soil structure, improving water retention, and stimulating plant growth—leading to higher crop yields and greater disease resilience
• Technological advancements in extraction and processing methods have further boosted the market by improving the efficiency, sustainability, and affordability of seaweed fertilizers, making them more accessible to farmers worldwide
• In May 2025, Billy Barraclough highlighted how London’s urban farms are increasingly adopting sustainable methods like no-dig farming and biodiversity promotion to address food inequality and environmental challenges, showcasing how urban agriculture supports community resilience and environmental stewardship
• The growing demand for sustainable and organic agricultural practices is a pivotal factor driving the seaweed fertilizers market, as these products contribute to improved soil health, enhanced crop productivity, and overall environmental sustainability

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Dynamics

Driver

“Seaweed Fertilizers Enhance Crop Yield and Nutrition”

• The increasing adoption of seaweed fertilizers as a natural and sustainable solution for boosting crop productivity is a major driver propelling the Middle East and Africa seaweed fertilizers market. Derived from marine macroalgae such as brown, red, and green seaweed, these fertilizers are rich in essential nutrients, trace elements, amino acids, and plant growth hormones that improve soil structure and plant health
• For instance, in August 2023, a study published by Elsevier B.V. demonstrated that seaweed-based biostimulants significantly enhanced seed germination, plant height, leaf number, and chlorophyll content, ultimately increasing crop yields. Such research highlights the expanding role of seaweed extracts as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers
• Growing awareness among farmers about the long-term benefits of organic and bio-based inputs is driving demand, as seaweed fertilizers promote soil fertility, increase microbial activity, and improve nutrient bioavailability without degrading soil quality or harming the environment
• Furthermore, as Middle East and Africa concerns about food security and climate change intensify, seaweed fertilizers are increasingly valued for enhancing nutrient uptake and improving the nutritional quality of crops, contributing to higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in produce.
• The rising preference for eco-friendly and organic farming inputs, along with proven agronomic and environmental benefits, is steadily increasing the adoption of seaweed fertilizers, making them a cornerstone of modern and future sustainable agriculture practices worldwide

Restraint/Challenge

“High Production and Processing Costs Limit Affordability”

• The labor-intensive nature of seaweed cultivation and harvesting, combined with the need for specialized equipment, creates significant operational cost challenges that limit market expansion. The complex extraction processes required to isolate beneficial compounds add further time and expense to seaweed fertilizer production
• For instance, according to Idea2MakeMoney, setting up a seaweed fertilizer production unit in India demands an investment between USD 7.41 thousand and USD 11.76 thousand, covering machinery, raw materials, labor, and packaging costs
• Furthermore, competition from cheaper synthetic fertilizers offering immediate results continues to challenge the broader adoption of seaweed-based alternatives. For example, in April 2025, WashingtonPost.com highlighted Grenada’s costly efforts to remove invasive sargassum seaweed and convert it into fertilizer, hindered by expensive processing and the need to remove salts and toxins
• While prices may gradually improve with technological advances, high production and processing costs remain a key barrier to adoption, especially in price-sensitive markets. Addressing these challenges through innovation, improved processing efficiency, and supportive policies will be essential to boost the seaweed fertilizer market’s growth and wider acceptance

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type of seaweed, form, function, crop type, treatment, application, and product type.

• By Type of Seaweed

On the basis of type of seaweed, the market is segmented into ascophyllum, laminaria, sargassum, ecklonia, fucus, kappaphycus, gelidium, saccorhiza, and others. In 2025, the ascophyllum segment is expected to dominate the market with a market share of 43.53% in 2025, driven by its high content of bioactive compounds and proven efficacy in enhancing crop productivity. Farmers often prioritize ascophyllum-based fertilizers for their rich nutrient profile, including essential amino acids, trace minerals, and natural plant growth hormones. The market also sees strong demand for ascophyllum due to its compatibility with various organic farming practices and the availability of advanced formulations promoting soil health and sustainable agriculture.

The ascophyllum segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate of 8.12% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing adoption in commercial farming and organic agriculture sectors. Ascophyllum-based fertilizers are rich in bioactive compounds that promote plant growth, improve stress resistance, and enhance nutrient uptake. Their natural composition aligns with sustainable farming practices, making them highly desirable for environmentally conscious growers. The versatility and proven efficacy of ascophyllum in improving crop quality and yield also contribute to its growing popularity across diverse agricultural applications.

• By Form

On the basis of form, the market is segmented into liquid, dry, and others. The liquid segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its ease of application, quick absorption by plants, and compatibility with modern irrigation systems such as drip and foliar sprays. Liquid seaweed fertilizers are widely preferred by both large-scale and smallholder farmers due to their uniform nutrient distribution and ability to deliver immediate results. Their effectiveness in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance makes them a popular choice across diverse crop types and farming practices.

The liquid segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by its high bioavailability, ease of application, and rapid absorption by plants, making it ideal for foliar treatments and precision agriculture. Liquid seaweed fertilizers are particularly popular for their compatibility with modern farming practices and irrigation systems, often serving as a primary nutrient delivery method for enhancing plant growth, yield, and stress resistance in both organic and conventional farming setups.

• By Function

On the basis of function, the market is segmented into germination, plant growth, nutrient enhancement, yield efficiency, and others. The germination segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by the critical role seaweed fertilizers play in enhancing seed vigor and accelerating early-stage plant development. Rich in bioactive compounds like natural hormones and micronutrients, seaweed extracts improve seed germination rates and uniformity, making them a preferred input for organic and sustainable farming.

The germination segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, favored for its role in promoting root development, chlorophyll production, and overall plant biomass. Seaweed fertilizers are particularly valued for their ability to stimulate natural growth processes and improve plant resilience under abiotic stress conditions.

• By Crop Type

On the basis of crop type, the market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, oilseeds & pulses, cereals & grains, turf & ornamental, and others. The fruits & vegetables segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by the rising demand for high-value, nutrient-rich produce and the increasing shift toward organic farming practices. Seaweed fertilizers are widely used in horticulture due to their ability to enhance fruit set, improve taste, increase shelf life, and promote uniform growth—making them a preferred input for fruit and vegetable cultivation.

The fruits & vegetables segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by the need for sustainable yield improvement across staple crops. Seaweed fertilizers contribute to better root development, enhanced nutrient uptake, and increased resilience to environmental stress, which are critical for ensuring food security in the face of climate change.

• By Treatment

On the basis of treatment, the market is segmented into foliar treatment, soil treatment, seed treatment, and others. The foliar treatment segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its ability to deliver nutrients directly to leaf tissues for rapid absorption, immediate stress relief, and improved photosynthetic efficiency. Farmers favor foliar applications for their ease of use with conventional spraying equipment and their proven effectiveness in boosting crop quality and yield across a wide range of farming systems..

The foliar treatment segment is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, propelled by the growing adoption of precision agriculture, the need for quick‑response nutrition solutions under climate stress, and the increasing popularity of integrated pest‑and‑nutrient management programs that combine foliar feeding with biological inputs.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into farms, garden, greenhouse, and others. The farms segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by the rising Middle East and Africa demand for food, expansion of organic farming practices, and increased awareness among large-scale growers about the long-term benefits of seaweed-based inputs. Seaweed fertilizers are extensively used on farms due to their ability to improve soil health, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase crop resilience to stress, thereby supporting higher and more sustainable yields.

The farms segment is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, propelled by government initiatives promoting eco-friendly agriculture, growing adoption of biofertilizers in conventional farming, and the need for climate-smart solutions to ensure productivity in diverse agro-climatic conditions.

• By Product Type

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into organic and inorganic. The organic segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by the Middle East and Africa shift toward sustainable agriculture, increasing consumer preference for organically grown produce, and stricter regulations on chemical fertilizer usage. Organic seaweed fertilizers are favored for their natural composition, environmental safety, and compatibility with organic certification standards, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious farmers and agribusinesses.

The organic segment is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, propelled by rising health awareness, expanding organic farming acreage, and growing governmental support through subsidies and incentives for organic inputs. The increasing adoption of organic seaweed fertilizers across a variety of crops further supports the segment’s robust growth trajectory.

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Country Analysis

• Saudi Arabia is expected to dominate the seaweed fertilizers market with the largest revenue share of 35.58% and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.97% in 2025, driven by increasing agricultural output, expanding seaweed cultivation, and rising adoption of organic farming practices
• The region’s rich coastal biodiversity, government support for sustainable agriculture, and rising demand for high-yield, eco-friendly farming inputs have positioned Saudi Arabia leader in seaweed fertilizer production and usage

U.A.E. Seaweed Fertilizers Market Insight

U.A.E. is witnessing steady growth in the region from 2025 to 2032, driven by its strong agricultural sector, rising awareness among farmers about organic and bio-based inputs, and favorable government schemes such as the PM-PRANAM and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. The country’s extensive coastline, coupled with low-cost production capabilities, supports the expansion of seaweed farming and its conversion into high-value fertilizers for various crops including cereals, pulses, and vegetables.

Egypt Seaweed Fertilizers Market Insight

Egypt seaweed fertilizers market is witnessing steady growth due to advanced research in marine biotechnology and a strong cultural tradition of seaweed usage. With a focus on sustainable farming and technological integration in agriculture, Egypt is increasingly adopting seaweed-based biostimulants to improve crop quality, support soil regeneration, and mitigate climate stress effects. Government-funded programs in organic farming and food quality enhancement are expected to accelerate adoption.

Seaweed Fertilizers Market Share

The seaweed fertilizers industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Biolchim SPA (Italy)
• Haifa Negev technologies LTD (Israel)
• IFFCO (India)
• Seasol (Australia)
• Oligro (Turkey)
• Kelpak (U.S.)
• ICL (Israel)

Latest Developments in Middle East and Africa Seaweed Fertilizers Market

• In August 2024, ICL announced that its PotashpluS product earned organic certification in both Germany and Spain. This certification validates the product's suitability for organic farming, ensuring that it meets the highest environmental and quality standards. PotashpluS supports soil health, enhances plant growth, and increases crop yields in organic agriculture
• In August 2024, ICL expanded its presence in China, aiming to strengthen its market position in the region. This development will enable ICL to better serve the growing demand for innovative agricultural solutions, providing farmers with access to advanced products that improve crop productivity and sustainability
• In August 2024, ICL Growing Solutions acquired Custom Ag Formulators, a U.S.-based company. This acquisition will enhance ICL's ability to offer customized plant nutrition solutions, expanding their product portfolio. It will enable more tailored offerings for customers, improving crop yields and advancing agricultural sustainability in North America
• In July 2024, ICL Potash received organic certification in the EU for its Potash product. This certification affirms the product's suitability for organic farming, meeting rigorous environmental and quality standards. It will enhance soil health, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve crop yields, supporting organic agriculture
• In March 2024, ICL entered a strategic partnership with Kernel UA, a leading agricultural company in Ukraine. This collaboration aims to improve crop production and strengthen the sustainability of Ukrainian agriculture. It will focus on enhancing ICL’s presence in the region and promoting advanced agricultural solutions for greater yield and efficiency

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