Magnesium Sulphate Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt),Anhydrous (Calcined Kieserite),Monohydrate (Kieserite)), By Application (Agriculture,Food Additives and Pharmaceuticals,Chemical and Industrial Uses (Pulp and Paper Industry)), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Magnesium Sulphate Market Overview

The Magnesium Sulphate Market size was valued at USD 1042.96 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1768.65 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The global magnesium sulphate market is experiencing significant demand due to its wide-ranging applications across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and industrial sectors. In 2023, over 3.4 million metric tons of magnesium sulphate were produced globally, driven by increasing usage in fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (Epsom salt) accounts for approximately 67% of total consumption, particularly in agriculture, where it is used as a soil amendment for magnesium-deficient crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.

The pharmaceutical industry utilizes more than 180,000 metric tons annually for intravenous magnesium treatments and oral supplements. Meanwhile, the food industry incorporates magnesium sulphate as a firming agent and mineral supplement, especially in dairy and canned products. In industrial sectors, magnesium sulphate is employed in paper processing and textile manufacturing, contributing to the consumption of around 450,000 metric tons in 2023.

Asia-Pacific led the global production with more than 52% share, particularly due to high output in China and India. Environmental regulations in Europe and North America are also promoting its use as a less harmful alternative in water treatment and chemical applications. The market continues to evolve with innovations in low-cost synthesis methods and eco-friendly production techniques.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand in agriculture for magnesium-rich fertilizers to correct soil deficiencies.

COUNTRY/REGION: China holds the dominant production share, contributing over 45% of global magnesium sulphate output in 2023.

SEGMENT: Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt) is the most widely used type due to its cost-effectiveness and high solubility.

Magnesium Sulphate Market Trends

The magnesium sulphate market has witnessed steady growth trends, particularly driven by increasing agricultural applications. In 2023, agricultural usage accounted for over 1.9 million metric tons, a rise of 5.2% from 2022, due to heightened demand in regions such as Asia-Pacific and South America. Countries including India, Indonesia, and Brazil reported a combined consumption of 1.2 million metric tons, supported by government-led crop yield enhancement programs. In the pharmaceutical sector, magnesium sulphate continues to be an essential treatment for eclampsia and preeclampsia in pregnant women, with over 50 million doses administered globally in 2023. North America alone utilized more than 75,000 metric tons for medical-grade applications. Rising prevalence of magnesium deficiency, especially in older populations, further fuels demand in the nutraceutical sector. Food-grade magnesium sulphate saw notable growth in Europe, where demand rose by 6.7% in 2023, driven by consumer preference for mineral-fortified food and beverages. The European Food Safety Authority permits magnesium sulphate use in dairy, canned vegetables, and carbonated drinks, leading to the consumption of 48,000 metric tons for food-related applications. Industrial trends show consistent usage in the textile, pulp, and paper industries. In 2023, the global pulp and paper industry consumed over 270,000 metric tons of magnesium sulphate, especially for bleaching processes and pH control. Water treatment plants increasingly adopt magnesium sulphate as a non-toxic coagulant, with 115,000 metric tons used globally for wastewater treatment. Sustainability trends are also shaping the market. Manufacturers in China and Germany are investing in low-emission production processes using seawater-derived magnesium. Companies like Laizhou Kangxin and Penoles reported a 10% drop in CO₂ emissions per ton of magnesium sulphate produced in 2023 through renewable energy integration.

Magnesium Sulphate Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the magnesium sulphate market refer to the forces and trends that influence the market’s growth, structure, and evolution across industries and regions. These dynamics include drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, which collectively shape the supply-demand equilibrium, competitive behavior, pricing trends, and investment decisions.

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The magnesium sulphate market is significantly driven by increasing demand in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2023, more than 180,000 metric tons were allocated to pharmaceutical-grade applications, particularly for treating magnesium deficiency, preeclampsia, and arrhythmia. Over 70% of hospitals in North America and Europe used injectable magnesium sulphate for intensive care treatments. With growing awareness of micronutrient deficiencies, global supplement intake involving magnesium compounds rose by 18.5% between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, magnesium sulphate is used in transdermal applications such as bath salts and creams, with over 450 consumer wellness products launched globally during 2023 containing magnesium sulphate as a primary ingredient.

RESTRAINT

Limited availability of high-purity sources.

One of the primary restraints affecting the market is the limited availability of high-purity magnesium sulphate, particularly for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications. While industrial-grade material is abundant, only 6.5% of global magnesium sulphate production in 2023 met the strict purity standards required for injectable pharmaceuticals. Additionally, rising production costs due to purification and compliance with regulatory standards, such as USP and EP certifications, have affected profit margins for manufacturers. In regions like Latin America and Africa, the shortage of certified processing facilities further limits market penetration.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in sustainable agriculture practices.

Sustainable agriculture practices present significant growth opportunities. Magnesium deficiency in soil affects over 33% of global arable land, especially in regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Governments in India and Indonesia subsidized nearly 600,000 metric tons of magnesium sulphate fertilizers in 2023 to promote yield improvement for key crops like sugarcane, tea, and soybeans. New formulations such as slow-release magnesium sulphate granules and water-soluble foliar sprays have entered the market, offering efficient nutrient delivery and minimal runoff. Agricultural cooperatives and NGOs are distributing magnesium sulphate supplements to over 1.4 million smallholder farmers, stimulating widespread adoption.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

Cost inflation remains a major challenge in the magnesium sulphate market. The average cost of raw kieserite and Epsom salt increased by 9.3% in 2023, driven by energy price hikes and supply chain disruptions. Transportation bottlenecks and container shortages caused delivery delays of up to 12 weeks in some regions, particularly Europe and the Middle East. Moreover, energy-intensive production processes, especially calcination in anhydrous magnesium sulphate manufacturing, have seen input costs rise by 14.6%. These economic pressures pose challenges for small-scale manufacturers and affect pricing strategies globally.

Magnesium Sulphate Market Segmentation

Magnesium sulphate is segmented by type and application, with distinct demand trends across categories. The three major types—heptahydrate, anhydrous, and monohydrate—serve different industrial and commercial needs. Applications range from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to food processing and chemical manufacturing.

By Type

• Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt): Epsom salt is the most widely used type, accounting for over 67% of global magnesium sulphate consumption in 2023. Its high solubility and lower production cost make it ideal for agriculture and bath-related wellness products. Asia-Pacific consumed over 1.4 million metric tons of Epsom salt in 2023, mainly for crop fertilizers and livestock feed supplements. In North America, nearly 58% of Epsom salt demand came from wellness and cosmetic industries.
• Anhydrous (Calcined Kieserite): Anhydrous magnesium sulphate is used primarily in the chemical and industrial sectors due to its high concentration and thermal stability. Global consumption in 2023 was around 470,000 metric tons, with major demand from the pulp and paper industry. Europe led this segment, contributing to 42% of total anhydrous use, largely in Germany and Scandinavia for paper bleaching and dye setting.
• Monohydrate (Kieserite): Kieserite is often used for long-term magnesium replenishment in soils. Global usage of monohydrate reached 610,000 metric tons in 2023. It is particularly favored in vineyards, citrus plantations, and tropical regions. South America accounted for 35% of the global kieserite usage, where magnesium depletion affects banana and coffee cultivation.

By Application

• Agriculture: Agriculture remains the dominant application, consuming over 1.9 million metric tons in 2023. Magnesium sulphate is widely applied in fertigation and foliar nutrition, especially for magnesium-hungry crops like maize, citrus, and tobacco. Brazil, China, and India lead agricultural usage globally.
• Food Additives and Pharmaceuticals: Approximately 320,000 metric tons were consumed by food and pharmaceutical industries. Usage includes food-grade firming agents, mineral water fortification, and intravenous drug manufacturing. Europe leads food-grade consumption, while North America dominates pharmaceutical usage.
• Chemical and Industrial Uses (Pulp and Paper Industry): The pulp and paper industry consumed over 270,000 metric tons globally. Magnesium sulphate is used in pulp digestion, pH control, and dye setting in textiles. This segment is growing in countries like Finland, Sweden, and Canada.

Regional Outlook for the Magnesium Sulphate Market

The regional outlook of the magnesium sulphate market provides a detailed evaluation of geographic trends in production, consumption, trade, and industry focus across key global regions—Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region demonstrates distinct market behavior influenced by its industrial structure, agricultural demand, regulatory landscape, and technological advancements.

• North America

In 2023, North America accounted for over 490,000 metric tons of magnesium sulphate consumption, led by the United States. The pharmaceutical sector was a major contributor, with hospitals and clinics utilizing more than 75,000 metric tons for medical-grade applications. The U.S. Department of Agriculture promoted Epsom salt usage under sustainable farming schemes, resulting in 6.3% year-on-year growth in agricultural use. Magnesium sulphate is also widely used in wellness products such as bath salts and muscle recovery formulations, especially across California and Texas.

• Europe

Europe represented a significant share, consuming over 680,000 metric tons in 2023. Germany, France, and the Netherlands were the leading consumers due to high demand from the food and industrial sectors. Magnesium sulphate is used in cheese production, canned vegetables, and mineral water, accounting for over 70,000 metric tons of food-grade use in Europe. The region’s stringent environmental regulations have encouraged adoption of magnesium sulphate in wastewater treatment, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. Additionally, the European pulp and paper industry consumed 90,000 metric tons during the year.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the leading region in terms of production and demand, accounting for more than 1.8 million metric tons in 2023. China alone produced over 1.3 million metric tons, with major output from Shandong, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia. India followed with over 260,000 metric tons of production, largely for agricultural use. Regional governments are promoting magnesium sulphate under smart farming initiatives, especially for rice, wheat, and tea crops. Rising middle-class consumption of mineral-rich food products and dietary supplements is boosting pharmaceutical and food-grade demand.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region consumed around 230,000 metric tons in 2023, primarily driven by agriculture and water treatment sectors. Countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia used magnesium sulphate to combat saline soil conditions and water scarcity. The region saw a 5.9% increase in usage for citrus and date cultivation. Industrial usage is growing slowly, with pilot projects underway in Morocco and UAE for integrating magnesium sulphate into textile processing and paper mills.

List of Top Magnesium Sulphate Companies

• K+S
• Giles Chemical
• PQ Corporation
• Aldeon
• Umai Chemical
• Mani Agro Chem
• Gee Gee Kay
• Haifa Group
• Penoles
• Sinomagchem
• Laiyu Chemical
• Laizhou Kangxin
• Laizhou Litong
• Hongda Xingye
• Laizhou Shouxi
• Zibo Jinxing
• Nafine
• Tianjin Changlu Haijing
• Yantai Sanding
• Weifang Huakang

K+S: K+S, headquartered in Germany, is a global leader with annual magnesium sulphate production exceeding 800,000 metric tons. The company operates major facilities in Europe and North America and supplies high-purity grades for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use. In 2023, K+S expanded its capacity by 12% to meet rising demand from agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Giles Chemical: Based in the United States, Giles Chemical is a top supplier of USP and FCC grade magnesium sulphate, catering to pharmaceutical and food industries. The company produced over 250,000 metric tons in 2023, with 60% of its volume distributed across North America. Giles Chemical also introduced a new slow-dissolving formulation for agricultural use, aimed at improving nutrient uptake.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The magnesium sulphate market is witnessing increasing investor interest, especially in regions with agricultural growth, pharmaceutical expansion, and industrial transformation. Between 2022 and 2023, global investments in magnesium sulphate production infrastructure crossed USD 120 million (excluding specific revenue figures), signaling strong industry confidence. In Asia-Pacific, over 15 new production facilities were commissioned in 2023, mainly in China and India. Shandong and Gujarat saw major investments in production and purification plants, with a combined output increase of 320,000 metric tons. These facilities are designed to meet growing demand from the agricultural and nutraceutical sectors. In North America, pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulphate remains a key investment zone. Companies such as Giles Chemical and PQ Corporation invested in research and development to innovate high-purity and transdermal magnesium sulphate formulations. With over 72,000 retail products containing magnesium sulphate on the U.S. market in 2023, the sector offers significant room for expansion. Clinical research centers are also exploring magnesium sulphate’s potential role in neuroprotection and cardiovascular treatment. Europe has directed investment into eco-friendly production methods. Germany’s Laizhou Kangxin and France-based Aldeon have received funding for transitioning to solar-assisted evaporation and seawater-based extraction, expected to reduce energy consumption by 18% annually. These initiatives align with the European Union’s Green Deal, pushing for sustainable industrial practices.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the magnesium sulphate market is gaining momentum, with manufacturers introducing advanced formulations to cater to evolving industry needs. In 2023, over 45 new magnesium sulphate-based products were launched globally across agricultural, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In the agriculture sector, slow-release and water-soluble magnesium sulphate granules were among the most notable developments. Companies like Haifa Group and Mani Agro Chem introduced high-efficiency magnesium sulphate fertilizers with controlled nutrient dispersion technology. These products demonstrated up to 32% increased nutrient absorption rates in field trials across soybean and citrus crops in Brazil and India. Additionally, fortified granules blended with secondary micronutrients such as zinc and boron gained popularity among large-scale farmers in Southeast Asia. Pharmaceutical innovation also progressed. Giles Chemical launched a transdermal magnesium sulphate cream in collaboration with wellness brands, offering pain relief and muscle relaxation. The product, registered in over 18 countries, delivers magnesium directly through the skin, bypassing gastrointestinal absorption issues. Laizhou Litong developed injectable magnesium sulphate with extended shelf life, reducing storage losses by 18% compared to standard solutions. In the cosmetic and personal care domain, Epsom salt-based bath bombs, exfoliating gels, and mineral-infused sprays became increasingly popular. Over 380 personal care products containing magnesium sulphate were introduced globally in 2023. Demand for Epsom salt sachets and single-use pouches surged, particularly in urban markets like Tokyo, London, and New York, where wellness-focused consumer behavior continues to rise.

Five Recent Developments

• Giles Chemical introduced a new pharmaceutical-grade injectable magnesium sulphate product with a shelf life extended to 48 months, launched in Q3 2023 across 25 countries.
• K+S inaugurated a new production facility in Germany’s Saxony region in February 2024, adding 120,000 metric tons of annual capacity, with a focus on food and medical-grade magnesium sulphate.
• Haifa Group launched a water-soluble, pH-balanced magnesium sulphate fertilizer in Q4 2023, increasing yield efficiency by 28% in greenhouse tomato cultivation.
• Laizhou Kangxin began pilot production of magnesium sulphate from desalination brine in Shandong in late 2023, targeting an annual output of 50,000 metric tons from recycled seawater.
• Penoles in Mexico unveiled a new dust-free granulation technology for magnesium sulphate in January 2024, improving handling safety and reducing product loss during transport by 14%.

Report Coverage of Magnesium Sulphate Market

This report provides a detailed and structured analysis of the global magnesium sulphate market, offering insights into product types, application segments, regional performance, market dynamics, key manufacturers, and recent innovations. Covering more than 20 companies and profiling the top industry leaders, the report outlines production trends, trade statistics, consumption rates, and technological advancements in all major regions. The market coverage spans all three major types of magnesium sulphate—heptahydrate (Epsom salt), monohydrate (kieserite), and anhydrous—each analyzed by volume usage, application suitability, and geographic concentration. The report categorizes applications across agriculture, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries, detailing consumption in over 35 countries. Special emphasis is placed on agricultural usage, where magnesium sulphate plays a critical role in soil remediation and crop nutrition. The regional outlook covers Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East & Africa, offering detailed data-backed commentary on production hubs, regulatory trends, and consumption patterns. For example, Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest producer with China and India contributing a combined output of over 1.6 million metric tons in 2023.

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