Glyphosate is the most-used herbicide across the world.

Glyphosate, a glycine derivative broad-spectrum and non-selective herbicide holds the largest market share among herbicides, globally. Furthermore, it kills weeds more effectively without affecting crops compared to other commercially available herbicides.

Renowned chemical manufacturers such as DuPont and BASF are manufacturing glyphosate under brand names Abundit Extra, KIXOR, respectively. However, usage of 2,4-D, is banned in countries such as Canada, Denmark and Norway due to the high level of dioxin contamination and risk of spreading cancer.

According to the 2014 report, World Herbicides Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 - 2020, the usage of organic herbicide as a replacement of 2,4-D, is being considered worldwide, although the effectiveness of organic herbicides to control weed is still under research.

Currently, bio herbicide is a niche segment of the global herbicides market. These are composed of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and insects that can target specific weeds without harming crops. Currently, commercial production of such herbicide is very low. However, due to their lack of chemical toxicity and milder effect on environment, the popularity of bio herbicide as compared to synthetic herbicide is growing. Considering the potential of bio herbicides, companies such as Bioherbicides Australia, are focusing on research and development and commercialising bio herbicides. Myco-Techpaste and Sarritorare are two Canadian brands of bio herbicides, which are currently commercially available.

Among different crop types, herbicide usage is highest in cereals and grains (namely maize, rice, wheat and others). The Asia-Pacific region (Mainly China, India and Japan), being the major production hub of cereals & grains, consumes nearly three quarters of total herbicide in this category.