Cyanamide Market Size, Share & Report [2033]

Cyanamide Market Overview

The Cyanamide Market size was valued at USD 249.16 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 367.11 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The cyanamide market has witnessed a consistent rise in demand due to its critical use in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. In 2023, global production exceeded 95,000 metric tons, with over 45% used directly in agriculture as a plant growth regulator and pesticide intermediate. Cyanamide, with the chemical formula CH₂N₂, is valued for its dual function as both a reactive intermediate and an end-use active compound.

China leads global production with over 35 manufacturing units concentrated in Ningxia and Shanxi provinces, collectively accounting for more than 70% of total output. Germany and Japan also maintain robust cyanamide capacities, primarily for high-purity applications. In terms of usage, over 60,000 hectares of fruit and vegetable plantations globally apply cyanamide-based growth stimulants each year, promoting uniform bud break and flowering in crops like grapes, apples, and peaches.

The compound is also heavily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesizing anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents, with more than 400 unique formulations developed since 2020 involving cyanamide as a critical intermediate. The increasing demand for efficient agrochemicals and customized active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) ensures a strong future for the cyanamide market globally.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Expanding agricultural sector demand for effective growth regulators and pest control agents.

COUNTRY/REGION: China, contributing over 70% of global cyanamide output in both solid and liquid forms.

SEGMENT: 50% Solution cyanamide dominates usage in agriculture due to its ease of application and higher reactivity.

Cyanamide Market Trends

The cyanamide market is experiencing diversified demand across several industrial applications. In 2023, agricultural applications accounted for approximately 55,000 metric tons of cyanamide usage globally, with 50% solution being the most preferred formulation due to its direct applicability in foliar spraying. Over 3 million hectares of farmland globally use cyanamide-based agrochemicals annually.

In the pharmaceutical sector, cyanamide serves as a precursor for at least 40 antiviral formulations and 25 anti-inflammatory agents. Between 2022 and 2023, demand from pharma-grade cyanamide increased by 18%, mainly due to its use in synthesizing imidazole derivatives and guanidine compounds.

A rising trend is the shift from crystalline cyanamide (≥95%) to 50% aqueous solutions, driven by a 35% reduction in handling risks and simplified logistics. China remains the largest exporter, accounting for over 68,000 metric tons of global trade, followed by Germany and Japan with a combined export volume of 8,000 metric tons.

Technological upgrades in manufacturing facilities have led to a 20% decrease in production-related greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, more than 10 companies in China have adopted closed-loop systems to reduce nitrogen oxide waste during cyanamide synthesis.

Environmental applications are also emerging, with over 2,500 wastewater treatment plants globally using cyanamide-based solutions for nitrogen neutralization. The compound’s increasing integration into biostimulant formulations and sustainable farming practices is expected to enhance its role in eco-friendly agricultural systems.

Cyanamide Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Cyanamide Market refer to the fundamental forces that influence the market’s behavior, growth trajectory, and strategic developments. These dynamics are shaped by four primary components: drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges—each representing key factors that impact demand, supply, innovation, pricing, and competitiveness.

DRIVER

Rising demand for agriculture and agrochemicals.

The primary driver of the cyanamide market is its indispensable role in modern agriculture. In 2023, over 40,000 tons of cyanamide-based plant growth regulators were applied across vineyards, citrus orchards, and temperate fruit plantations. Farmers in regions such as China, India, and Brazil rely on cyanamide to ensure uniform flowering and improve crop yields by up to 20%. The product is also a key component in thiourea synthesis, which is widely used in seed treatment protocols. With over 500 million hectares of cropland needing annual fertilization and pest management, cyanamide-based solutions provide a rapid-action, cost-effective option.

RESTRAINT

Health and environmental hazards in handling and storage.

Despite its wide utility, cyanamide poses significant handling challenges. It is a reactive and potentially toxic compound, particularly in crystalline form, which can release ammonia and hydrogen cyanide under certain conditions. In 2023, regulatory restrictions on cyanamide use tightened in over 12 countries, especially within the European Union, due to concerns about groundwater contamination and occupational exposure. More than 200 cases of occupational hazards were recorded globally in cyanamide-handling facilities last year. These risks result in higher compliance costs and necessitate investment in safety training and protective equipment.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in specialty chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Cyanamide's versatility extends to pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, where it is used in over 300 patented formulations, including anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective drugs. Its role in creating heterocyclic compounds is essential in medicinal chemistry. The demand from specialty chemical sectors, especially for triazine, melamine, and dicyandiamide production, is growing. In 2023, over 12,000 tons of cyanamide were used in the synthesis of high-performance polymers and electronic-grade materials. Companies investing in green chemistry approaches are exploring cyanamide's potential in developing low-emission compounds, offering new opportunities in sustainable product development.

CHALLENGE

Price volatility due to raw material dependency.

The cyanamide market is heavily dependent on calcium carbide and urea as raw materials. Price fluctuations in calcium carbide—recording a 25% surge between 2022 and 2023—directly impacted cyanamide production costs. Additionally, 80% of global cyanamide producers rely on consistent energy-intensive manufacturing processes, making them vulnerable to energy price shocks. In China, several factories temporarily shut down during Q2 2023 due to power rationing, affecting over 18,000 metric tons of production. This volatility restricts long-term contract pricing and creates uncertainty for downstream users in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Cyanamide Market Segmentation

The cyanamide market is segmented by type into 30% solution, 50% solution, ≥95% crystalline, and others, and by application into pesticide intermediates, plant growth regulators, pharmaceutical intermediates, and others. Each segment plays a distinct role in the chemical, agricultural, and life sciences industries.

By Type

30% Solution: The 30% solution is primarily used in regulated spraying systems in European farms, accounting for approximately 7,000 metric tons in annual consumption. It offers moderate activity with reduced toxicity levels, making it suitable for environmentally sensitive zones. In Germany and France, it is commonly used in vineyards and greenhouse operations.
50% Solution: This is the most dominant product type, with over 40,000 metric tons consumed in 2023 alone. Used across Asia-Pacific and South America, the 50% solution is highly effective in crop yield optimization. It is especially favored in India and China for early-season foliar applications in citrus and pome fruits.
≥95% Crystals: Crystalline cyanamide is valued for its purity and reactivity in pharmaceutical synthesis. Over 8,000 metric tons of crystals were used in 2023 for synthesizing high-purity intermediates and specialty polymers. Its use is concentrated in Japan, Germany, and South Korea due to stricter purity standards in chemical manufacturing.
Other: Other forms include stabilized blends with surfactants or additives for controlled release. These formulations accounted for 5,000 metric tons in niche applications, including water treatment and flame retardant precursor synthesis.

By Application

Pesticide Intermediate: Over 30,000 metric tons of cyanamide were consumed as intermediates in herbicide and fungicide synthesis in 2023. The compound forms critical precursors for thiadiazole and dicyandiamide derivatives.
Plant Growth Regulator: This segment accounts for about 45% of the total market, with 42,000 metric tons used in orchards and vineyards to break bud dormancy. Farmers report improved flowering consistency and increased yield across 3.5 million hectares of land globally.
Pharmaceutical Intermediate: In 2023, more than 9,000 metric tons of cyanamide were processed into pharmaceutical intermediates, especially in the synthesis of antihypertensive and antiviral drugs. Its importance is growing in contract manufacturing for bulk drugs.
Others: Other applications include resin modification, adhesive production, and industrial cleaning formulations. This segment utilized approximately 6,000 metric tons of cyanamide in 2023.

Regional Outlook for the Cyanamide Market

The cyanamide market shows a geographically diverse footprint, with regional demand influenced by local agricultural practices, chemical manufacturing bases, and regulatory policies.

North America

North America is a mature market with consistent demand from agrochemical manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. In 2023, the region accounted for approximately 11,000 metric tons of cyanamide consumption. The United States, with over 4,000 commercial farms utilizing growth regulators, remains the primary user. Additionally, contract drug manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, New Jersey, and California integrated over 2,000 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade cyanamide for synthesizing intermediates.

Europe

Europe remains a key consumer of high-purity cyanamide, especially in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The region used over 14,000 metric tons in 2023, with 60% of that volume consumed in regulated plant growth formulations. German manufacturers lead the use of crystalline cyanamide in pharmaceutical synthesis, accounting for 3,000 metric tons. Europe's strong environmental regulations have encouraged the adoption of low-toxicity variants such as stabilized solutions and coated granules.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global cyanamide market both in production and consumption. China alone produced over 70,000 metric tons and consumed over 55,000 metric tons domestically in 2023. India, Japan, and South Korea are other prominent users, driven by demand in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Asia-Pacific collectively accounted for more than 80% of global usage. The region also has over 50 active cyanamide production facilities, with significant expansion activities noted in India's Gujarat and Tamil Nadu states.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa is an emerging market for cyanamide with increasing adoption in horticulture and viticulture. In 2023, over 3,500 metric tons were used across countries like South Africa, Egypt, and the UAE. The rising trend of greenhouse cultivation and export-oriented agriculture is supporting cyanamide uptake. South Africa alone imported over 1,500 metric tons for citrus and grape production, while the UAE introduced pilot projects integrating cyanamide-based nutrient sprays in desert farming systems.

List of Top Cyanamide Companies

AlzChem AG
Nippon Carbide Industries (NCI)
Ningxia Darong
Jiangsu Deda
Rugaoshi Zhongru Chemical
Yifeng Biochemical
Nignxia Jiafeng
Shanxi Zhichen Chemical
Ningxia Runshengfu Chemical
Ningxia Jinhua Chemical
Ningxia Baoma Chemical
Pingluo Xiangmei Chemical
Ningxia Hengkang Technology
Ningxia Taikang Pharmaceutical
Ningxia Sikeda Biotechnology
Shanghai Baosui Chemical

AlzChem AG: AlzChem AG is a market leader in high-purity cyanamide production, with an annual capacity exceeding 15,000 metric tons. In 2023, the company supplied more than 5,000 metric tons to pharmaceutical sectors across Europe and the U.S., and holds over 30 patents related to cyanamide derivatives.

Ningxia Darong: Ningxia Darong dominates the Chinese cyanamide market with a production output of more than 25,000 metric tons in 2023. The company’s facilities in Shizuishan and Yinchuan employ over 800 workers and supply cyanamide products to more than 30 countries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The cyanamide market is attracting new investments due to its critical role in agrochemical and pharmaceutical value chains. In 2023, over $250 million was invested globally in expanding production capacity and upgrading facilities to meet higher environmental standards. China led these investments, with 15 new production lines commissioned across Ningxia and Shanxi provinces, increasing national capacity by 18,000 metric tons.

In India, two major agrochemical firms partnered with cyanamide producers to develop downstream products like thiourea-based growth promoters and cyanoguanidine-based fertilizers. These collaborations aim to reduce import dependency and boost local formulation capabilities. Over 1,200 metric tons of new output from Gujarat and Maharashtra entered the domestic market in Q3 2023.

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturers in Europe are investing in specialty-grade cyanamide production lines. Germany and Switzerland saw over $50 million invested in advanced synthesis technologies for cleaner, purer cyanamide derivatives. These facilities will collectively add 2,000 metric tons of high-purity production capacity by the end of 2024.

African governments are promoting cyanamide-based agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and export quality. South Africa initiated two pilot programs in 2023 in Western Cape and Limpopo, offering subsidies for cyanamide-based crop enhancement products. These programs impacted over 1,200 hectares of fruit farms, generating demand for over 500 metric tons of product annually.

With increasing interest in specialty fertilizers and pharmaceutical intermediates, cyanamide producers are exploring backward integration opportunities. Investments in calcium carbide plants and energy-efficient reactors are being prioritized to stabilize input costs and ensure supply chain continuity.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the cyanamide market is focused on enhanced safety, targeted delivery, and environmental compatibility. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 30 new formulations were launched, including water-dispersible granules, encapsulated microcapsules, and synergistic blends with micronutrients.

AlzChem AG introduced a new stabilized crystal formulation in early 2024, which reduced decomposition under storage conditions by 60% compared to conventional variants. The new product was tested in pharmaceutical synthesis operations in Germany and showed improved yield consistency in imidazole production.

Jiangsu Deda launched a liquid cyanamide formulation blended with trace elements like boron and zinc, which improved flowering consistency in apple orchards across northern China by up to 18%. Field trials across 12 agricultural zones involved over 500 hectares and recorded enhanced crop uniformity.

Ningxia Runshengfu Chemical developed a 50% solution with a delayed-release mechanism, allowing farmers to apply the product earlier in the season with sustained efficacy. This innovation was adopted across 1,800 hectares of citrus orchards in Guangxi, reducing the number of spray applications by 30%.

Five Recent Developments

AlzChem AG launched a new low-toxicity cyanamide formulation with extended shelf life, now used by over 150 pharmaceutical firms across Europe.
Ningxia Darong expanded its production facility by 8,000 metric tons in early 2024 to meet rising global demand in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Jiangsu Deda collaborated with Indian agrochemical firms to introduce a co-formulated plant growth regulator product, registering sales across 4 Indian states.
Nippon Carbide Industries patented a cyanamide-based compound used in photoresist materials for electronics, expected to enter production in late 2024.
Yifeng Biochemical began exports of food-grade cyanamide derivatives to Southeast Asia for use in non-toxic sanitization agents and surface cleaners.

Report Coverage of Cyanamide Market

This report provides exhaustive coverage of the cyanamide market, focusing on production volumes, consumption patterns, product types, and application trends across key regions. Over 20 major producers and more than 30 downstream industries are assessed in terms of capacity, technology, and export performance. The report includes 250+ verified statistics relating to global and regional volumes, product differentiation, and usage trends.

Segmented into four primary product types—30% solution, 50% solution, ≥95% crystals, and others—the report details how each category contributes to various application sectors including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and industrial intermediates. Usage data, such as the 40,000+ metric tons employed in plant growth regulation and the 9,000+ metric tons used in pharma, is included to validate commercial significance.

The study reviews trends in 25 countries and highlights regulatory frameworks affecting market penetration. Environmental concerns, safety measures, and logistics are discussed in detail. Regional competitiveness and value chain mapping are addressed, especially focusing on China's leadership and emerging opportunities in Africa and South Asia.

Company profiling includes operational statistics, export destinations, innovation metrics, and strategic developments from 2023 to 2024. Over 15 companies are evaluated, with deeper focus on the top two leaders in production and market penetration.

Future-oriented analysis covers investment potential in manufacturing upgrades, sustainable processing, and new product innovations. This enables stakeholders—producers, investors, and policymakers—to make data-backed strategic decisions in a volatile but essential chemical market.