US fertilizer prices rise again ahead of fall application

US retail fertilizer prices moved higher again in mid-September after several weeks of declines. Six of the eight major fertilizer products increased compared with the previous month, while seven of eight remain more expensive than a year ago.

Anhydrous ammonia posted the largest year-on-year increase, rising about 22% to $945/t. Urea averaged around $659/t, up 6% from September 2025, while MAP reached $967/t (+5%) and DAP $925/t (+2%). UAN32 is the only product still priced below year-ago levels.

Despite the latest increase, nitrogen fertilizers remain well below their spring peaks. Urea has fallen by around 24% from its high, anhydrous ammonia by 15%, UAN28 by 21% and UAN32 by 23%. However, most fertilizer prices have still not returned to 2025 levels.

Phosphate fertilizers remain among the most expensive products in the US market. MAP was the highest-priced of the eight products tracked by DTN in mid-September, with prices supported by raw material supply constraints and production issues.

The increase comes ahead of the active fall fertilizer application season in the US. USDA expects spending on fertilizer, lime and soil conditioners to rise by $5.3 bln, or 15.3%, in 2026, increasing pressure on farmers’ production costs.

Tags: prices, USA, fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers, ammonia, phosphate fertilizers