Methyl Bromide Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Methyl Bromide Market Overview

The Methyl Bromide Market size was valued at USD 0.48 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 0.58 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.37% from 2025 to 2033.

The global methyl bromide market remains relevant for controlled uses in agriculture, soil fumigation, and quarantine pest control despite regulatory restrictions. In 2023, more than 35,000 metric tons of methyl bromide were used worldwide, with over 60% applied for quarantine and pre-shipment treatments.

Asia-Pacific accounted for more than 50% of global consumption, driven by high agricultural output in China and India. North America recorded over 5,000 metric tons of methyl bromide usage last year, mainly for quarantine fumigation and pest control in stored commodities. Over 20 countries still permit limited methyl bromide use under strict monitoring to comply with the Montreal Protocol phase-out targets.

Agricultural sectors depend on methyl bromide to treat more than 5 million hectares of soil annually for pests, nematodes, and weed seeds. Ports and shipping facilities use methyl bromide to fumigate over 15 million tons of exported timber, grains, and perishables each year to prevent pest infestations and meet quarantine regulations. Despite alternatives emerging, methyl bromide remains vital for regions where soil sterilization and high-efficiency fumigation protect export markets.

Key Findings

DRIVER: High effectiveness in soil fumigation and quarantine pest control.

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific leads with more than 50% of global usage.

SEGMENT: Quarantine fumigants make up over 60% of total consumption.

Methyl Bromide Market Trends

The global methyl bromide market is shaped by shifting regulations, niche demand, and the search for alternatives. In 2023, over 35,000 metric tons of methyl bromide were applied worldwide for agricultural soil treatment, pest control, and fumigation of export goods. Asia-Pacific remains the top consumer region, with China and India using over 18,000 metric tons combined, mainly to sterilize soil for high-value crops and protect shipments. Strict restrictions continue under the Montreal Protocol, which phased out non-essential uses in more than 150 countries. However, over 20 countries still approve controlled exemptions for quarantine and pre-shipment fumigation. Over 15 million tons of exported agricultural commodities — including grains, logs, and fresh produce — are treated with methyl bromide annually to meet pest-free export standards. In North America, more than 5,000 metric tons were used in 2023, mostly for timber and fruit quarantine. Soil sterilization is another driver. More than 5 million hectares of farmland are treated every year to control nematodes, pathogens, and weed seeds, especially in regions where alternatives like chloropicrin and phosphine are less accessible or effective. This keeps methyl bromide critical for strawberry fields, cut flower farms, and seedling nurseries in parts of Asia-Pacific and Latin America. New technologies and integrated pest management are reducing volumes gradually. Over 50% of farmers in North America and Europe have shifted to lower-impact fumigants or soil steaming, but many growers in emerging economies still rely on methyl bromide for quick, deep soil penetration and pest eradication. Monitoring systems now track application to reduce emissions — over 70% of licensed users deploy gas containment and recapture systems to meet environmental rules. Global trade drives steady use, with major ports and exporters fumigating over 15 million tons of export cargo yearly. As long as international phytosanitary standards require pest-free certification, niche demand for methyl bromide will persist where alternatives can’t fully meet regulatory or operational needs.

Methyl Bromide Market Dynamics

The Methyl Bromide Market Dynamics section explains the core forces shaping demand for this tightly regulated fumigant worldwide. In 2023, over 35,000 metric tons of methyl bromide were produced and applied globally under licensed exemptions for quarantine, soil sterilization, and pest control. This section shows how unique effectiveness in deep soil treatment and export fumigation keeps demand steady for over 15 million tons of cargo and 5 million hectares of farmland each year, while stricter environmental rules, rising compliance costs, and new pest management methods continue to reshape market growth and supply chains.

DRIVER

Continued reliance on methyl bromide for quarantine fumigation and soil sterilization.

A key driver for the methyl bromide market is its unmatched effectiveness for quarantine fumigation and pre-shipment treatments. In 2023, over 60% of global methyl bromide volume — about 21,000 metric tons — was used to fumigate more than 15 million tons of timber, grains, and other export commodities to meet quarantine requirements in over 20 countries. Soil sterilization remains critical in agriculture for high-value crops like strawberries and cut flowers, with over 5 million hectares treated yearly. Farmers and exporters depend on methyl bromide for deep soil penetration and rapid pest eradication, especially where alternatives like chloropicrin, phosphine, or steam sterilization are limited by cost, availability, or climate.

RESTRAINT

Stringent environmental regulations under the Montreal Protocol.

A major restraint for the methyl bromide market is the strict regulation of its production and use under the Montreal Protocol. Over 150 countries phased out non-essential uses by 2015 to protect the ozone layer, leaving only critical quarantine and pre-shipment applications. This limits total supply to tightly controlled exemptions and licensed producers. In 2023, global production was restricted to about 35,000 metric tons, down from over 60,000 metric tons two decades ago. Compliance with national limits, mandatory recapture equipment, and routine audits add significant operational costs. Over 50% of North American growers replaced methyl bromide with alternative fumigants, raising transition costs for remaining users and complicating supply for regions still dependent on the product.

OPPORTUNITY

Emerging markets with limited access to alternatives.

An important opportunity for the methyl bromide market is steady demand in emerging markets where alternatives remain impractical or costly. In 2023, Asia-Pacific accounted for more than 50% of global methyl bromide use, with over 18,000 metric tons consumed in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Many growers treat over 5 million hectares annually, often lacking cost-effective replacements for high-value fruit, vegetable, and flower crops. Export-focused economies also rely on methyl bromide to treat millions of tons of timber and food cargo to comply with quarantine rules in North America, Europe, and Japan. Local production and government exemptions provide supply security, creating an opportunity for licensed producers to serve niche but critical needs.

CHALLENGE

Rising compliance costs and push for safer alternatives.

One challenge facing the methyl bromide market is the growing cost of compliance and mounting pressure to switch to safer alternatives. In 2023, over 70% of licensed users needed gas recapture systems and leak-proof fumigation chambers to meet emission rules. The setup cost for containment can exceed $100,000 per site for large-scale exporters or port operators. Many governments offer subsidies to shift toward less harmful fumigants, soil steaming, or integrated pest management, which gradually eats into methyl bromide’s market share. This transition affects over 15 million tons of cargo and millions of hectares of soil treated yearly, requiring training for 50,000 fumigation contractors and pest control technicians worldwide to handle new methods safely.

Methyl Bromide Market Segmentation

The methyl bromide market is segmented by type and application. By type, methyl bromide is available mainly as gas, liquid, or blended fumigant formulations. Methyl bromide gas dominates usage, accounting for over 70% of the total 35,000 metric tons applied globally. By application, agriculture, pest control, and soil sterilization remain the primary end uses. In 2023, more than 60% of total consumption supported quarantine fumigation and soil disinfection for export compliance and high-value crop yields. The market remains highly regulated, with exemptions and licenses controlling where each type and application can legally be deployed.

By Type

Methyl Bromide Gas: Methyl bromide gas is the most widely used form, representing over 70% of global volume. In 2023, more than 24,000 metric tons of gas were used for fumigation of timber, grains, and fresh produce in ports and storage facilities. Its deep penetration and rapid action make it ideal for large cargo lots and soil fumigation. Gas formulations are favored by over 15 million tons of exports annually, with users deploying sealed chambers and specialized application equipment to contain emissions.
Liquid Methyl Bromide: Liquid methyl bromide accounts for about 20% of global use, with over 7,000 metric tons used in 2023 for specific agricultural soil treatments. Liquid forms are injected directly into soil beds for crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and ornamental flowers. They deliver uniform soil coverage and are favored for high-value horticultural crops on more than 1 million hectares globally. Liquid formulations require precise handling and storage, limiting use to licensed agricultural contractors.
Fumigants: Blended fumigants that include methyl bromide make up the remaining 10%, with about 3,500 metric tons applied in 2023. These products are used for niche pest control in warehouses, grain silos, and food processing facilities. Combination fumigants extend effectiveness to a wider pest range while meeting local safety limits. Over 5 million tons of stored grains and packaged goods are treated annually with mixed fumigant products.

By Application

Agriculture: Agriculture remains the largest application, using more than 20,000 metric tons of methyl bromide globally in 2023. Over 5 million hectares of soil for strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and ornamental plants were treated for nematodes, weeds, and soilborne diseases. Asia-Pacific leads agricultural use, applying over 15,000 metric tons annually. Strict usage caps mean licensed growers must follow rigorous containment and monitoring to meet local and international standards.
Pest Control: Pest control accounts for about 9,000 metric tons annually. Ports, grain silos, and storage facilities use methyl bromide to fumigate over 15 million tons of exported timber, fresh produce, and packaged food. Quarantine and pre-shipment requirements in over 20 countries mandate pest-free certification, driving steady demand in fumigation centers. Licensed pest control operators manage containment to limit emissions and ensure compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
Soil Sterilization: Soil sterilization represents about 6,000 metric tons of global demand. High-value horticulture uses methyl bromide to sterilize soil on over 1 million hectares worldwide, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Deep soil penetration and broad-spectrum pest control remain key advantages where alternatives are costly or less effective. Ongoing research and pilot projects test steam and biofumigation as substitutes, but many growers continue to rely on methyl bromide for immediate soil health control.

Regional Outlook for the Methyl Bromide Market

The Regional Outlook details how the methyl bromide market varies by region. Asia-Pacific dominates with more than 18,000 metric tons consumed in 2023 to protect crops and treat millions of tons of exports. North America used over 5,000 metric tons, mainly for quarantine fumigation of timber and perishables to meet strict import rules. Europe accounted for nearly 3,000 metric tons, mostly for port quarantine treatments. The Middle East & Africa added over 2,000 metric tons, supporting agriculture and pest-free shipping of fresh produce and flowers for key export markets.

North America

North America continues to use methyl bromide primarily for quarantine and pest control. In 2023, the region accounted for over 5,000 metric tons, with the US and Canada treating more than 2 million tons of timber, grains, and perishables for export. Ports, fumigation contractors, and cold storage providers rely on licensed supply to comply with pest-free standards. Strict phase-out rules mean agricultural soil fumigation is rare, with less than 500 metric tons used for specialty crops.

Europe

Europe remains tightly regulated under the Montreal Protocol, with limited exemptions for quarantine uses only. In 2023, Europe consumed just under 3,000 metric tons, mostly for export treatments of timber, grains, and nuts. Major ports in Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany fumigate over 1 million tons of outbound cargo yearly. Agriculture has almost fully shifted to alternatives, but pest control companies still handle niche volumes with sealed containment.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates global methyl bromide demand, consuming more than 18,000 metric tons in 2023. China and India together account for over 15,000 metric tons, mainly for soil sterilization on over 5 million hectares of farmland and quarantine treatments of millions of tons of exported produce and timber. Southeast Asia continues to use methyl bromide to protect high-value crops and meet strict export rules for key markets like Japan and the US.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa used more than 2,000 metric tons in 2023, mainly for soil sterilization and quarantine treatments. Countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Israel rely on methyl bromide to protect fruit, vegetable, and flower exports to Europe and North America. Agriculture consumes about 1,200 metric tons, while ports and fumigation services handle over 800 metric tons to meet pest-free shipping standards and secure export revenues.

List of Top Methyl Bromide Companies

Intech (China)
Albemarle (USA)
ICL Group (Israel)
Dalian Special Gases (China)
CHEMCHINA (China)
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (USA)
Sunrise (China)
Triveni Interchem (India)
Chemtura (USA)
Trical (USA)

Intech (China): Intech supplies more than 10,000 metric tons of methyl bromide annually, serving major agricultural exporters and fumigation contractors in Asia-Pacific.

Albemarle (USA): Albemarle produces and distributes over 8,000 metric tons of methyl bromide each year under strict quotas, primarily for quarantine fumigation and pre-shipment treatments in North America.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the methyl bromide market remain tightly controlled under global regulations, yet essential for meeting continued demand in key agricultural and export sectors. In 2023, more than 35,000 metric tons of methyl bromide were produced worldwide under licensed exemptions, with manufacturers like Intech, Albemarle, and CHEMCHINA investing in advanced containment and emission control systems to meet Montreal Protocol rules. Producers spent over $50 million upgrading production lines and adding gas recapture technology to cut emissions during manufacturing and application. Ports and large fumigation contractors invested more than $100 million in sealed fumigation chambers, leak-proof containers, and gas reclaim systems to handle over 15 million tons of exported goods each year. Asia-Pacific’s steady agricultural demand — consuming more than 18,000 metric tons in 2023 — creates opportunities for local suppliers to expand domestic capacity. Emerging economies with limited access to substitutes continue to rely on methyl bromide for soil treatment on over 5 million hectares of farmland. Licensed producers partner with regional governments to balance supply while staying within international limits. The shift to integrated pest management (IPM) also drives hybrid investments. Growers spend millions adding soil sensors, drip fumigation systems, and containment barriers to apply lower volumes more efficiently. Over 50% of large farms using methyl bromide in Asia-Pacific now combine it with crop rotation, steam, or partial biofumigation to extend its effectiveness and delay complete replacement. Investment also focuses on training and certification. More than 50,000 fumigation technicians and contractors worldwide received updated compliance training in 2023 to handle gas safely under stricter monitoring. Future opportunities include collaborating with research institutes developing safer blends and phased transition plans. As ports handle millions of tons of sensitive agricultural cargo, guaranteed pest-free treatments ensure global trade routes remain open — a factor keeping methyl bromide investments relevant in niche but critical markets.

New Product Development

New product development in the methyl bromide market focuses on improving safety, containment, and efficiency while staying within regulatory limits. In 2023, licensed producers launched over 20 upgraded methyl bromide formulations and delivery systems to help fumigators achieve precise dosages with minimal emissions. Intech and CHEMCHINA developed new gas blends containing stabilizers that improve penetration in dense commodity stacks, reducing total gas needed by up to 15% per treatment. Over 5 million tons of exported cargo used these new blends in pilot runs during 2023 to meet zero pest tolerance in tight timelines. Equipment makers rolled out advanced recapture units compatible with older fumigation chambers. More than 500 large port operators and storage facilities installed these new systems to reclaim gas after use, helping reduce emissions by 30% and comply with national ozone protection targets. Liquid methyl bromide for soil sterilization also saw innovation. Over 7,000 metric tons of liquid methyl bromide were applied globally last year using new injection systems that deliver better soil distribution and reduce operator exposure by 20%. Some high-value crop growers in Asia-Pacific adopted drip-fumigation lines connected to precision valves that maintain consistent application depths across more than 1 million hectares. Portable containment tents and modular fumigation chambers continue to evolve. In 2023, more than 1,000 new portable units were deployed in Asia-Pacific to fumigate mixed cargo on-site at small ports and farms, avoiding the need for costly permanent facilities. These innovations extend methyl bromide’s legal use for difficult pest control jobs, while helping producers, exporters, and contractors handle millions of tons of soil and cargo within the tightening rules of the Montreal Protocol framework.

Five Recent Developments

Intech expanded its methyl bromide production in China in 2023, adding capacity for an additional 5,000 metric tons under national quarantine exemptions.
Albemarle launched a new gas recapture system in 2024, cutting emissions by 30% at major North American fumigation sites.
CHEMCHINA upgraded its containment facilities in 2023, installing 20 new sealed chambers for large-volume timber exports.
Dalian Special Gases introduced blended fumigants in 2023, supplying over 1,500 metric tons for use in grain silos across Asia-Pacific.
ICL Group partnered with agricultural exporters in 2024 to deploy new portable fumigation tents treating over 2 million tons of perishable exports.

Report Coverage of Methyl Bromide Market

This detailed report on the global methyl bromide market outlines how a tightly regulated chemical remains essential for specific agricultural and quarantine needs. In 2023, over 35,000 metric tons of methyl bromide were produced and consumed under licensed exemptions worldwide. Asia-Pacific accounted for more than 50% of total volume, with China and India alone consuming over 15,000 metric tons to sterilize soil and protect millions of tons of exported timber and fresh produce. Ports and shipping operators fumigated over 15 million tons of cargo with methyl bromide in 2023 to meet strict quarantine requirements in North America, Europe, and Japan. Soil sterilization remains another major use — more than 5 million hectares of high-value farmland worldwide depend on the chemical to control pests that threaten strawberries, vegetables, and cut flowers. The report details how global regulations under the Montreal Protocol have driven phased reductions, pushing producers like Intech and Albemarle to invest in containment, recapture systems, and new blends that lower emissions and maintain performance. Licensed fumigation contractors — more than 50,000 worldwide — continue to upgrade equipment and train staff to handle the chemical safely. Segmentation covers gas, liquid, and blended formulations, each serving different pest control, quarantine, and soil treatment needs. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa each contribute unique demand patterns. While North America used over 5,000 metric tons mainly for export treatments, Asia-Pacific used more than 18,000 metric tons for both soil sterilization and export compliance. Europe and the Middle East & Africa together consumed about 5,000 metric tons under strict quarantine-only exemptions.