Urease Market Size, Trends, Future Outlook and Report | 2033

The global urease market size has witnessed considerable growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for industrial enzymes in various sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. According to a report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global urease market was valued at USD 12.36 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. By 2033, the market is projected to reach a value of USD 22.63 billion.

Urease is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. It plays a crucial role in a variety of biochemical processes, including nitrogen metabolism in plants and animals. In industrial applications, urease is used in a range of processes, such as agricultural fertilizers, pharmaceutical formulations, and wastewater treatment. The market’s growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for urease in the agricultural industry, its increasing use in medical applications, and the growing focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices across various sectors.

Urease Market Share

The global urease market is highly fragmented, with a mix of global and regional players catering to different segments of the market. Companies such as Novozymes A/S, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and BASF are some of the leading players in the urease enzyme market. These companies hold a significant share of the market due to their extensive portfolios of enzyme-based products and their ability to serve diverse industries ranging from agriculture to biotechnology.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region holds the largest share of the global urease market. This is attributed to the significant presence of the agricultural sector in countries such as China and India, where urease is widely used in fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Furthermore, the region’s growing population and increasing food production demands have led to an enhanced need for nitrogen fixation processes, further driving the demand for urease-based products. North America and Europe also represent substantial markets, with a growing focus on sustainable agricultural practices and innovations in biotechnology driving the demand for urease in both the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

Among the various applications of urease, the agricultural sector dominates the market. The use of urease in fertilizers to enhance soil health and nitrogen fixation plays a pivotal role in ensuring high crop yields, especially in regions where soil quality may be suboptimal. Additionally, the demand for urease in medical and pharmaceutical applications, such as in the development of drugs for treating gastrointestinal disorders, is steadily increasing, contributing to the market’s overall growth.

Drivers of Growth

Several key factors are contributing to the growth of the global urease market. One of the primary drivers is the rising demand for fertilizers in the agricultural sector. As global food production needs increase, there is a growing emphasis on improving crop yield through the use of soil enhancers, such as urease. Urease-based fertilizers help in the breakdown of urea into nitrogen compounds, which are essential for plant growth, thereby promoting higher crop yields and better soil health. This has become increasingly important as the agricultural industry seeks to feed a growing global population, particularly in developing economies.

The increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices is also driving the demand for urease in the market. Traditional nitrogen-based fertilizers can lead to environmental issues such as soil degradation and water pollution. Urease-based fertilizers, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable solution by enhancing nitrogen uptake efficiency and minimizing nitrogen loss. As a result, governments and agricultural organizations are encouraging the adoption of urease-based products to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of conventional fertilizers.

In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, urease is used in various therapeutic applications, further supporting market growth. The enzyme plays a crucial role in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcers, where it helps in neutralizing stomach acid and preventing the formation of harmful substances. The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, coupled with advancements in enzyme-based therapies, has boosted the demand for urease in medical applications. Additionally, urease’s potential in the development of novel drug delivery systems, particularly in targeted therapies, is opening new avenues for market expansion.

Urease Market Trends

The global urease market is being shaped by several emerging trends. One of the most significant trends is the growing interest in enzyme-based solutions across various industries. As industries such as agriculture and biotechnology continue to prioritize sustainable practices, enzymes like urease are gaining popularity due to their natural, biodegradable properties and effectiveness in improving productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The push for organic and environmentally friendly farming practices is driving the increased use of urease-based fertilizers, particularly in developed regions that are keen on reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture.

Another important trend is the increasing adoption of precision agriculture technologies. These technologies involve the use of data analytics, sensors, and automated systems to optimize farming practices. Urease is being integrated into these systems, helping to improve the efficiency of nitrogen-based fertilizers and enabling farmers to apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right time. This trend is helping to reduce costs for farmers while ensuring that crops receive optimal nutrition, further boosting the demand for urease-based products.

Additionally, urease is gaining traction in the wastewater treatment industry. Urease is used to break down urea in wastewater, especially in regions with large-scale industrial operations that produce significant amounts of nitrogen waste. As environmental regulations become stricter and industries face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, the demand for urease-based solutions in wastewater management is expected to rise. The increasing focus on sustainable water management and the need to mitigate the environmental impact of wastewater discharge is fueling this trend.