14 May 2025, EU: In 2023, the European Union recorded the lowest pesticide sales since data collection began in 2011, with approximately 292,000 tonnes sold. This marks a 9% decline from 2022 and a significant 18% drop compared to 2021, highlighting a downward trend in the use of chemical plant protection products across the region.
EU Pesticide Sales Overview (2021–2023)
Year
Pesticide Sales (tonnes)
Change vs Previous Year
Change vs 2021
2021
~356,098
–
–
2022
~321,978
-9.6%
-9.6%
2023
292,000
-9%
-18%
Among the different categories of pesticides sold, fungicides and bactericides made up the largest share in 2023, accounting for 39% of total sales volumes. This was followed by herbicides, haulm destructors and moss killers at 36%, and insecticides and acaricides comprising 17% of the total.
Share of Pesticide Categories in Total EU Sales (2023)
Pesticide Category
Share of Total Sales (%)
Fungicides and bactericides
39%
Herbicides, haulm destructors, moss killers
36%
Insecticides and acaricides
17%
Others (e.g., plant growth regulators, etc.)
8%
According to recently published data from Eurostat, the largest volumes of pesticide sales were reported in France (23%), Spain (18%), and Germany and Italy (each with 14%). These four countries also represent the top agricultural producers in the EU, which partially explains their higher usage of plant protection products.
Top EU Countries by Share of Pesticide Sales (2023)
Country
Share of EU Sales (%)
France
23%
Spain
18%
Germany
14%
Italy
14%
The trend in pesticide sales between 2011 and 2023 varied significantly across member states. Out of the 21 EU countries for which data is available, 16 countries experienced a decrease in sales volumes. The most significant reductions were observed in Portugal and Italy (each down 44%), followed by Ireland and Slovenia (each down 38%). Conversely, five countries reported an increase in pesticide sales, with Latvia recording the sharpest rise at +55%, followed by Austria (+52%) and Lithuania (+11%).
Countries with the Sharpest Decline in Sales (2011–2023)
Country
Change in Sales (%)
Portugal
-44%
Italy
-44%
Ireland
-38%
Slovenia
-38%
Countries with the Sharpest Increase in Sales (2011–2023)
Country
Change in Sales (%)
Latvia
+55%
Austria
+52%
Lithuania
+11%
These statistics form part of the EU’s agri-environmental indicators and are seen as an important measure of progress toward more sustainable agricultural practices. The decline in pesticide use reflects growing efforts to adopt integrated pest management and environmentally friendly farming techniques.
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