Review of Fertilizer Prices – June 30, 2022 Overview Fertilizer prices have started to moderate after a substantial move higher earlier this year. Biggest overall driver The largest items impacting the fertilizer market is 1) recession fears impacting overall demand and 2) the Russsia-Ukraine War Issue driving Nitrogen China is expected to continue to restrict urea exports until April 2023.[1] Nitrogen continues to have a relatively balanced supply and demand setup for the next year. However, possibly the biggest issue will be the surging natural gas prices which will impact the cost of nitrogen. Issue driving Potash Potash availability to remain tight for the rest of 2022 and 2023. Although Russian potash is finding a home (outside of North America and Europe, end users will buy Russian potash), Belarusian potash is landlocked and unable to be moved.[2] Issue driving Phosphate This sector of fertilizer is impacted by the export restrictions and quotas from China and Russia. China continues to keep this market tight by limiting phosphate exports to 2 million tonnes (verses year over year exports of 3.7 million tonnes for DAP and MAP)[3]. There is new phosphate supply scheduled to come on line in 2023. Close: we have most likely seen the highs for fertilizer for the next couple of years. Source: BMO Capital Markets – July 18, 2022
[1] BMO Capital markets – July 18, 2022
[2] BMO Capital markets – July 18, 2022
[3]BMO Capital markets – July 18, 2022