Global fertiliser trade declines by 30% due to Middle East conflict

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that global fertiliser trade fell by 30% in the first four months of 2026. The main driver of the decline was supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to the FAO, total fertiliser trade volumes dropped to 41 million tonnes between January and April, compared with 58 million tonnes in the same period last year. The agency noted that farmers also delayed purchasing decisions due to rising input costs and compressed margins in grain production.

Additional pressure came from export restrictions imposed by key producing countries, including China and Turkey. These measures further tightened global supply and reduced market liquidity.

In value terms, global fertiliser trade declined by 18% year-on-year to $18 billion over the January–April 2026 period. The contraction follows a broader slowdown in 2025, when global fertiliser consumption fell to 209 million tonnes amid weaker commodity prices, weather disruptions, and high interest rates.

The FAO warned that delayed procurement by major buyers, particularly in Europe and North America, could disrupt upcoming 2026–2027 planting seasons and pose risks to crop yields.

Tags: fertilizers