All major US fertilizer prices rise above year-ago levels

All eight major fertilizers tracked by DTN were more expensive in late September than a year earlier. Anhydrous ammonia posted the largest increase, rising 25% year-on-year to $977/t, including a roughly 6% gain over the past month.

Urea averaged $675/t, up 9% from a year earlier. MAP rose 5% to $970/t, DAP increased 3% to $926/t, and potash was up 2% at $498/t. UAN28 and UAN32 were both around 1% higher year-on-year.

The strongest price recovery is being seen in nitrogen fertilizers ahead of the fall application season in the US Corn Belt. Despite its high headline price per ton, anhydrous ammonia remains the cheapest nitrogen source at around $0.60 per pound of actual nitrogen.

Phosphate fertilizers remain expensive due to high sulfur costs, tight supply and reduced output at some production sites. Unlike nitrogen products, which saw a notable summer correction, MAP and DAP prices have remained relatively firm.

USDA expects US farm spending on fertilizer, lime and soil conditioners to rise by 15.3% in 2026 to around $39.6 billion. Higher fertilizer costs are adding pressure to production expenses at a time when inflation-adjusted net farm income is forecast to decline.

Tags: phosphate fertilizer, prices, USA, fertilizers, ammonia, carbamide