Pakistan steps up phosphate fertilizer imports ahead of wheat season

Pakistan is entering the winter crop planting season with relatively low stocks of diammonium phosphate (DAP), one of the country’s key phosphate fertilizers. Inventories stood at just over 250 thsd tons at the beginning of September, compared with 316 thsd tons a year earlier.

The country imported 49 thsd tons of DAP in August, while domestic production reached 79 thsd tons, the highest level since May 2024. Consumption rose to 126 thsd tons due to potato-season demand but remained 14 thsd tons below the five-year average because of high prices.

Importers expect total DAP consumption in 2026 to fall by 20–30% due to high international and domestic prices. Expectations of government support for fertilizer purchases for wheat planting have also so far failed to materialize.

Despite weaker demand, Pakistan may still require 415–474 thsd tons of DAP in October-December. Stocks at the beginning of October are estimated at around 251 thsd tons, insufficient to cover expected fourth-quarter demand.

Importers have already lined up around 177 thsd tons of DAP for delivery in October. Together with steady domestic production, these volumes are expected to cover seasonal requirements and allow Pakistan to end the year with adequate carryover stocks.

Tags: phosphate fertilizer, Pakistan, wheat, imports, fertilizers