Due to the blockade of the Hormuz Strait, U.S. fertilizer imports from the Middle East dropped to zero in May, with total imports plunging 44% year-on-year to 553,000 tons.
- Trade data provider Descartes Datamyne stated on Thursday that in May, the United States’ fertilizer imports from Middle Eastern ports affected by the Strait of Hormuz blockade dropped to zero, resulting in overall crop nutrient imports falling by 44% year-on-year to 553,000 metric tons. This represents one of the earliest assessments of the war’s impact on American farmers. The Middle East supplies nearly one-third of the world’s fertilizer trade, which is typically shipped through the strait.
- The supply interruption of urea from Qatar, with common raw materials such as sulfur and ammonia also restricted, has tightened supply and caused prices to soar. According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, global fertilizer prices rose by about 20% from February to May. U.S. fertilizer imports plummeted month-by-month from 464,000 metric tons in February. Recently, nitrogen fertilizer prices have retreated slightly due to a decline in seasonal demand, but phosphate fertilizer prices remain high.
- American farmers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans are under multiple pressures from drought, rising input costs, and lost sales. In May, the president of Nutrien—the world’s largest potash producer—stated that regardless of when the war ends, high fertilizer prices could persist until 2027. At the end of last month, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced an investigation into fertilizer pricing. Last week, Trump said he was considering measures to help farmers affected by high prices, but did not disclose specific details.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
You may also like
Elon Musk changes his stance! Tesla (TSLA.US) delays Cybertruck production halt to late summer 2027, just two days after suggesting “refund deposits”
Elon Musk stated that Cybertruck production will be extended until late summer 2027 to clear the order backlog, and Tesla's stock price rose by about 4%.
Japanese dovish policymaker urges "slow down": Price increases are not driven by demand, rate hikes may drag down the economy and inflation
Toichiro Asada, a member of the Bank of Japan's Policy Board, stated that the central bank needs to remain cautious and closely monitor the impact of rate hikes on the economy, as rising interest rates pose the risk of suppressing the inflation trend.
Don't Be Misled by "Instant Purchase, Instant Access": Pro Series Zero Wait Has Been the Norm for Years, UBS Maintains Apple (AAPL.US) Target Price at $340
The waiting time for iPhone 18 Pro is approaching zero, and Duo deliveries are scheduled until the end of January. UBS maintains its forecast for iPhone revenue in the December quarter at $95.1 billions, representing a year-on-year increase of 11.5%.
Crypto prices
More
