PRESS RELEASE: Weekly Update – Global Fertiliser Markets – w/e 17.07.2026: Global capital is backing the next generation of fertiliser production
• Urea prices trending upwards on short covering in North Africa + improved demand in Europe; other markets need to offer sustained support
• Granulated phosphate prices holding; limited liquidity due to affordability issues
• Potash prices expected to increase; strong demand; limited availability
• Ammonia prices bearish on both sides of the Suez and; expected to continue the negative trajectory due to oversupply
• Governments, banks, and industry leaders are committing billions to expand future production capacity.
UREA
Indicative Price: ▲ Firming – North Africa FOB +USD50–100 PMT | Brazil CFR USD440–460 PMT
Global urea prices strengthened this week, led by North African producers as short covering and renewed buying interest lifted FOB values sharply higher. SORFERT concluded business at USD535 PMT FOB while Egyptian producer Helwan reportedly achieved USD527 PMT FOB. Brazil continues to receive offers at USD440–460 PMT CFR, while China has introduced a dynamic export pricing mechanism. India continues encouraging domestic investment in urea production and improving monsoon conditions should underpin second-half demand.
PHOSPHATES
Indicative Price: → Holding Firm – MAP Brazil CFR USD880–900 PMT
Granulated phosphate prices remain resilient despite limited liquidity. Tight global supply and expectations of another major Indian import tender continue supporting the market, although affordability remains the principal constraint on further gains.
POTASH
Indicative Price: ▲ Constructive – Brazil CFR USD390–405 PMT
Potash markets remained largely unchanged, but prompt availability continues tightening. Suppliers have limited uncommitted inventory and the medium-term outlook remains supportive.
AMMONIA
Indicative Price: ▼ Bearish – Global oversupply persists
Global ammonia markets remain under downward pressure as abundant supply continues to outweigh demand across both eastern and western markets.
FEATURE INSIGHT
Global capital is positioning for the next generation of fertiliser demand.
“When governments, banks and global industry leaders begin committing billions of dollars to new fertiliser production, it’s worth paying attention,” said Mr. Stein Haugan, CEO of Australian Fertilizer Company.
“QatarEnergy continues progressing one of the world’s largest fertiliser expansion projects,” he said.
“JPMorgan has arranged approximately US$1.6 billion in financing for a new nitrogen fertiliser complex in Basra, Iraq. Yara has expanded its North American footprint through the acquisition of a 1.3 million tonne per annum facility in Texas. Kazakhstan has approved a US$1.6 billion fertiliser project near Aktau, while Petrobras has recommenced development of Brazil’s UFN-III nitrogen complex, expected to produce approximately 1.2 million tonnes of urea annually.”
“Collectively these investments demonstrate that governments, banks and global industry leaders are already positioning for structural growth in food production well into the next decade,” said Mr. Haugan.
“One lesson global capital markets have taught us over the years is this,” said Mr. Haugan, “the world’s largest pools of capital rarely signal.”
“They do, however, leave a trail of breadcrumbs through the assets they quietly accumulate and the projects they quietly finance,” he continued.
“If one is prepared to follow those breadcrumbs, the destination often becomes remarkably clear,” Haugan quietly smiles.
ENDS
