The global urea market reached a volume of 178.80 MMT in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 0.90%, supported by rising demand from the agriculture sector for fertiliser use. 2026 to 2035, the market is projected to attain a volume of 195.56 MMT by 2035. The market is expected to be driven by the growing agriculture sector and rising industrial demand for urea derivatives such as melamine, urea formaldehyde resins, and selective catalytic reduction systems for vehicle emission control.
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a versatile compound widely utilised as a feed supplement, fertilizer, and precursor for medications and plastics. With a molecular formula of H2NCONH2, it is a colourless and odourless crystalline substance, soluble in both water and ethanol. Synthesised through a process involving ammonia and carbon dioxide under high pressure, urea forms solid white pellets or crystals, renowned for their stability and ease of handling. Its dry granular form facilitates application to soil via various equipment, ensuring prolonged effectiveness as a fertiliser without rapid degradation.
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Urea serves as a prominent fertiliser owing to its abundant nitrogen content, a crucial nutrient vital for plant growth. With approximately 46% nitrogen by weight, it ranks among the most concentrated nitrogenous fertilisers available. Nitrogen plays a pivotal role in chlorophyll formation, facilitating photosynthesis, and is a key constituent of amino acids, fundamental to protein synthesis. Deprivation of nitrogen impedes plant growth, resulting in sluggish development and the potential for leaf discoloration and deterioration.
The urea market has witnessed remarkable transformation entering 2026, fuelled by escalating geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, structural capacity additions in China and India, and the accelerating shift towards low-carbon and nano fertiliser variants. The Asia Pacific region remains the market leader, accounting for over 52% of global volume, spearheaded by China and India. Government initiatives offering subsidies to support farmers in the region serve as additional catalysts propelling urea market growth, while the global push towards green and blue ammonia is creating fresh capital deployment opportunities for established producers.
Latest Updates on the World's Largest Urea Producers 2026: Market and Industry News
In April 2026, Yara International reported strong Q1 2026 results with EBITDA excluding special items reaching USD 896 Million, up 40% from USD 638 Million a year earlier and well above analyst consensus of USD 825 Million. The performance was driven by tighter nitrogen markets, improved margins, and operational gains. Urea granular FOB Egypt prices climbed approximately 11% to USD 465 per ton during the quarter, while urea prices in France surged 47% over a 16-week period as Strait of Hormuz disruptions affected 34% of globally traded urea. Yara also delivered USD 226 Million in fixed cost reductions on a last-twelve-months basis.
In April 2026, CF Industries and PepsiCo entered a commercial agreement to reduce the carbon footprint of PepsiCo’s potato supply chain through the use of certified low-carbon urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer. This marked CF Industries’ first commercial launch of low-carbon UAN, produced at its Donaldsonville facility using carbon capture and sequestration along with nitric acid plant emissions abatement. The product will be supplied to potato farmers serving PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay potato chip brands, with both companies planning to extend the framework across additional crop systems.
In March 2026, the global urea market entered an unprecedented supply shock as Urea FOB US Gulf futures for April 2026 deliveries surged more than 50% following the escalation of Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Iranian urea exports, accounting for nearly 45% of Middle Eastern urea exports, were effectively removed from global trade flows. Major agricultural economies including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh faced acute shortages, while CF Industries and CVR Partners stocks rallied over 30% on tightened North American supply economics.
In January 2026, Yara International and Air Products announced advanced negotiations on a strategic partnership covering low-emission ammonia projects in the United States and Saudi Arabia. The collaboration covers the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, designed to produce 2.8 million tonnes per year of low-carbon ammonia using 750 million scf/day of low-carbon hydrogen with 95% CO2 capture, alongside the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. Yara would acquire ammonia production, storage, and shipping facilities at the Louisiana site for approximately 25% of the total project cost (estimated USD 8 to 9 Billion). Final investment decisions are targeted for mid-2026.
On 4 January 2026, CF Industries marked a leadership transition as longtime CEO Tony Will retired and Christopher D. Bohn assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. The transition coincided with a strategic capital allocation cycle covering the planned Blue Point ammonia complex in Louisiana, scheduled for start-up in 2029, alongside continued development of the Donaldsonville carbon capture and sequestration project.
Top 9 Urea Companies in the World 2026: Leading Global Suppliers
1. Yara International ASA
| Headquarters: |
Oslo, Norway |
| Establishment: |
1905 |
| Website: |
https://www.yara.com/ |
| Key Products: |
Urea, ammonia, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), nitrates, NPK specialty fertilisers, micronutrients, low-carbon ammonia, precision farming digital tools |
| Revenue: |
Full-year 2025 EBITDA up 46% to USD 2.75 Billion; Q1 2026 EBITDA reached USD 896 Million, beating consensus of USD 825 Million |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 17,000+ across more than 60 countries |
Yara is committed to a sustainable future, striving for growth while promoting eco-friendly crop nutrition and emissions-free energy solutions. With a focus on digital farming tools and collaboration across the food value chain, Yara aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Their emphasis on clean ammonia production aligns with efforts to drive a green transition in shipping and fertiliser production. Yara’s product portfolio includes nitrogen-based fertilizers, micronutrients, and precision farming solutions designed to enhance soil health and crop performance. The company also provides digital farming technologies, enabling farmers to optimize their practices through data-driven insights. Established in 1905 to address famine, Yara operates globally with around 17,500 employees and reported strong recovery in nitrogen margins through 2025 and into 2026. With a presence in over 60 countries, Yara’s global operations serve both large-scale agricultural operations and smaller farmers. The company is committed to advancing its sustainability agenda by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and supporting the global transition towards a more resilient food system.
2. Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Limited
| Headquarters: |
New Delhi, India |
| Establishment: |
1967 |
| Website: |
https://www.iffco.in/en/corporate |
| Key Products: |
Urea, neem-coated urea, Nano Urea, Nano Urea Plus, Nano DAP, DAP, complex fertilisers, micronutrients, bio-fertilisers, water-soluble fertilisers |
| Revenue: |
Turnover of approximately INR 41,244 Crore in FY 2024-25 (4.5% Y-o-Y growth); net profit of INR 2,823 Crore (16% Y-o-Y rise) |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 5,000+ direct employees, with a cooperative network of 36,000+ member societies serving over 55 million farmers |
IFFCO, India’s largest cooperative society established in 1967, now comprises over 36,000 Indian cooperatives, catering to diverse sectors like General Insurance and Rural Telecom alongside fertiliser production and sales. With an extensive marketing network spanning 36,000 cooperative societies, IFFCO serves over 55 million farmers in India, even in remote and challenging terrains. Its global impact is evident through joint ventures such as JIFCO in Jordan, KIT in Dubai, OMIFCO in Oman, and ICS in Senegal, showcasing its commitment to agricultural development beyond national borders. IFFCO manufactures a wide range of fertiliser products, including urea, DAP (diammonium phosphate), complex fertilisers, micronutrients, and is the global pioneer of nanotechnology-based agri-inputs through Nano Urea, Nano Urea Plus, and Nano DAP. The company operates several manufacturing plants across India, ensuring a strong supply chain and timely distribution of its products to farmers. It also has a significant presence in the global fertiliser market, exporting products to various countries. In addition to its core fertiliser business, IFFCO is involved in initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices, such as soil health management, organic farming, and water conservation.
3. PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur
| Headquarters: |
Bontang, Indonesia |
| Establishment: |
1977 |
| Website: |
https://www.pupukkaltim.com/id/home |
| Key Products: |
Urea, ammonia, NPK fertiliser, ammonium nitrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, agricultural chemicals |
| Revenue: |
Estimated annual revenue exceeding USD 2.5 Billion as a subsidiary of Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 3,000+ across manufacturing operations and corporate functions |
PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim), Indonesia’s leading urea and ammonia manufacturer, boasts an annual production capacity of 3.4 million tons of urea, 2.7 million tons of ammonia, and 350 thousand tons of NPK fertiliser. The company’s products, including urea, ammonium nitrate, and other agricultural chemicals, are essential for boosting crop yields and supporting sustainable farming practices. PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its ongoing efforts to adopt eco-friendly technologies, reduce emissions, and implement sustainable manufacturing processes. With a robust distribution network, Pupuk Kaltim serves a wide range of agricultural sectors, including rice, corn, and palm oil production. With a focus on customer service excellence, Pupuk Kaltim emphasises timely delivery, precise quantities, types, locations, qualities, and prices. The company prioritises Good Corporate Governance (GCG) to enhance business success and accountability while championing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Backed by skilled human resources and over 30 years of experience, Pupuk Kaltim aims for sustainable progress aligned with business growth.
4. Qatar Fertilizer Company
| Headquarters: |
Mesaieed, Qatar |
| Establishment: |
1969 |
| Website: |
https://www.qafco.qa/en/ |
| Key Products: |
Urea (granular and prilled), ammonia, melamine, urea formaldehyde, sulphur |
| Revenue: |
Estimated annual revenue exceeding USD 3 Billion as part of Industries Qatar group |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 1,500 to 1,800 across the Mesaieed industrial complex |
Established in 1969 through a partnership between the Qatari government and foreign stakeholders, QAFCO has grown into a premier fertiliser producer. Initially created to diversify Qatar’s economy and leverage its abundant gas reserves, QAFCO now operates as part of Industries Qatar (IQ). QAFCO’s primary products include ammonia, urea, and other nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are distributed globally to meet the growing demand for food production. The company’s advanced manufacturing process incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure high efficiency, sustainability, and minimal environmental impact. The company operates a state-of-the-art facility in the Mesaieed Industrial City, which is one of the largest fertilizer production complexes in the Middle East. With six top-tier plants, QAFCO annually produces 3.8 million MT of ammonia and 5.6 million MT of urea, securing its position as the world’s largest single-site urea exporter. Committed to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, QAFCO is targeting a doubling of urea capacity to 12.4 million MT through QatarEnergy’s expansion programme, with the first new line scheduled before 2030, advancing its ambition to become the leading global urea producer.
5. National Fertilizers Limited
| Headquarters: |
Noida, India |
| Establishment: |
1974 |
| Website: |
https://www.nationalfertilizers.com/ |
| Key Products: |
Urea (KISAN brand), neem-coated urea, bio-fertilisers, certified seeds, agro-input trading services |
| Revenue: |
Annual turnover exceeding INR 9,000 Crore (FY 2024-25 estimate); India's second-largest urea producer with 16% share of national production |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 across five gas-based plants and corporate offices |
Established in 1974, NFL stands as India’s leading CPSE in the Fertilizer Sector, with a turnover exceeding INR 90 billion. With a capacity of 35.68 Lakh MT, it ranks as the nation’s second-largest urea producer, contributing 16% to the total urea production. NFL’s product portfolio includes urea, neem-coated urea, bio-fertilizers, and other specialized fertilizers aimed at improving soil health and boosting crop yields. The company focuses on innovation and sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on reducing the environmental footprint and improving energy efficiency. NFL operates five gas-based Ammonia-Urea plants across Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, alongside a Bio-fertilisers unit. Renowned for its ‘KISAN’ brand, NFL also ventures into certified seed production and agro-input trading. Additionally, it collaborates on a JV for a cutting-edge Urea Plant and plans global expansions. The company is also committed to contributing to India’s “Make in India” initiative and supporting the agricultural sector’s growth through its wide distribution network.
6. EuroChem Group AG
| Headquarters: |
Zug, Switzerland |
| Establishment: |
2001 |
| Website: |
https://www.eurochemgroup.com/ |
| Key Products: |
Urea, ammonia, nitrogen fertilisers, potash, phosphate, complex NPK and NPS fertilisers, organomineral and water-soluble fertilisers, industrial products |
| Revenue: |
Estimated annual revenue range of USD 7 to 9 Billion across its global operations |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 27,000+ across production sites on four continents |
EuroChem, a global leader in plant nutrition, has been providing essential nutrients to farmers worldwide for over 20 years. With a focus on sustainability, the mineral-based products enhance crop yields, ensuring food security for over 250 million people, even in developing regions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the company offers a comprehensive range of fertilisers and industrial products, supported by production facilities across four continents. EuroChem operates in over 40 countries and has a significant presence in key agricultural regions worldwide. The company’s operations span the entire value chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the production of finished products, and it serves a broad range of customers, including farmers, agribusinesses, and industrial clients. With abundant reserves of key ingredients like potash and phosphate rock, as well as access to natural gas, the company remains committed to helping farmers improve crop quality and yield. In the second half of 2025, EuroChem began commissioning of its EuroChem Northwest 2 project with a designed capacity of 1.4 MMT urea and 1 MMT ammonia, with first product expected in early 2026.
7. Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company
| Headquarters: |
Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia |
| Establishment: |
1965 |
| Website: |
https://www.sabic-agrinutrients.com/en |
| Key Products: |
Urea, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, sulphate of ammonia, granular urea, agricultural and industrial nitrogen products |
| Revenue: |
Annual revenue in the range of SAR 4 to 5 Billion (USD 1 to 1.3 Billion); paid-up capital of SAR 4,760 Million |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 across Jubail manufacturing facilities and corporate offices |
Established in 1965 under Royal Decree, SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company (SAFCO), was the first petrochemical firm in Saudi Arabia. Initially a joint venture between the government and citizens, it has since grown significantly, with its capital reaching SAR 4,760,354,040. SABIC holds a majority stake of 50.1%, with the remaining 49.9% owned by the private sector and the public. The company plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector by producing a wide range of high-quality fertilizers, including urea, ammonium nitrate, and other nitrogenous fertilizers. These products are primarily used to improve soil fertility and support crop production in various agricultural markets, both domestically and internationally. SAFCO’s production facilities are strategically located in Jubail Industrial City, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that ensure high efficiency and sustainable operations. The company focuses on meeting the growing global demand for fertilizers while maintaining strong environmental standards through its energy-efficient processes and waste reduction initiatives.
8. CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
| Headquarters: |
Illinois, United States |
| Establishment: |
1946 |
| Website: |
https://www.cfindustries.com/ |
| Key Products: |
Anhydrous ammonia, granular urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution, ammonium nitrate, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), low-carbon ammonia and UAN, nitric acid |
| Revenue: |
Net sales of USD 7.08 Billion in FY 2025 (up 22% Y-o-Y); net earnings of USD 1.46 Billion; Adjusted EBITDA of USD 2.89 Billion |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 3,000 across manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom |
CF Industries, headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, aims to supply clean energy for sustainable global food and fuel needs. The company primarily manufactures and distributes nitrogen fertilisers, such as ammonia, urea, and urea ammonium nitrate solutions, as well as phosphate-based fertilisers. These products are essential for global agriculture, helping to enhance crop yields and improve food security. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to optimise production and minimise environmental impact, focusing on sustainable practices. In addition to its fertiliser products, CF Industries also produces industrial-grade products like nitric acid, which is used in various sectors, including the automotive and chemical industries. With manufacturing hubs in the US, Canada, and the UK, along with a robust storage and distribution network in North America, the company focuses on safe operations and environmental responsibility. Their strategy involves decarbonising their ammonia production, enabling green and blue hydrogen, and nitrogen products. On 4 January 2026, longtime CEO Tony Will retired, with Christopher D. Bohn succeeding him as Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of CF’s clean ammonia growth agenda.
9. Nutrien Ltd.
| Headquarters: |
Saskatoon, Canada |
| Establishment: |
2018 |
| Website: |
https://www.nutrien.com/ |
| Key Products: |
Potash, urea, ammonia, ammonium phosphate, nitric acid, urea ammonium nitrate, nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, retail crop inputs and digital agronomy services |
| Revenue: |
Annual revenue of approximately USD 25 Billion across its global crop inputs and retail operations |
| Number of Employees: |
Approximately 26,000+ across more than 1,500 retail locations and production facilities globally |
Nutrien, a global leader in crop nutrients, offers potash, nitrogen, and phosphate to enhance crop yields worldwide. With retail operations spanning seven countries and a history spanning nearly 50 years, Nutrien operates more than 1,500 retail locations across North America, South America, and Australia, providing farmers with a comprehensive suite of tools to optimize crop yield and enhance soil health. The company’s product offerings also extend to agronomic services, including crop consulting, and precision agriculture tools that help increase farm productivity while reducing environmental impact. Innovation drives their commitment to providing top-quality products and solutions, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Operating with a long-term perspective, Nutrien prioritises economic, environmental, and social goals. Their integrated portfolio supports stable earnings, growth, and shareholder returns, reflecting their purpose of “Feeding the Future” by advancing agriculture sustainably. Nutrien has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing water usage efficiency in agriculture.
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