Turkey lifts import duty on urea, boosting market competition

Turkey has removed the 6.5 % import duty on urea under a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on March 7, 2026. Previously, the duty applied to all shipments except those from Egypt, Qatar, and Malaysia. The new measure covers HS codes 31021012, 31021015, 31021019, and 31021090, and came into effect immediately.

The country remains heavily reliant on imported nitrogen fertilizers. On average, Turkey imported around 2.8 million tons of urea per year from 2023 to 2025. In 2025, imports reached approximately 2.7 million tons, with about 44 % coming from Iran, 24 % from Egypt, and 13 % from Russia, mostly in the first half of the year. Supplies from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan together accounted for roughly 300,000 tons, while Qatar exported 60,000 tons. Previously, Qatari urea had appeared in Turkish imports only in 2022 and 2023.

The removal of the duty is expected to increase urea shipments ahead of the spring peak demand, particularly for wheat, barley, rapeseed, and early maize fertilization. The new measure alters trade flows by removing previous advantages enjoyed by zero-duty countries such as Egypt and Qatar, creating more direct competition among exporters.

For Turkish nitrogen fertilizer producers, the duty removal intensifies competitive pressure. Domestic companies face higher costs due to reliance on imported gas and raw materials, and may focus on contract supplies or blending products to protect their market share.

Local experts note that the policy is likely to strengthen Turkey’s role as a growing hub for fertilizer imports, blending, and redistribution in the region. This could make the market more open and competitive for international suppliers.

Tags: Turkey, imports, fertilizers, duties