Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice.
Macro-economic factors create volatile conditions in global fertilizer markets. Navigate uncertainty using our current market information and price discovery tools, and medium- or long-term market outlooks, to make informed investment and planning decisions.
Key facts about the global fertilizer market
Global fertilizer exports in 2020 totalled 224 million tonnes. Trade in fertilizer intermediates such as ammonia, sulphur and phosphate rock adds over 100 million tonnes to the traded numbers.
Global demand for primary key fertilizers totalled 497 million tonnes in 2020.
The value of primary fertilizer demand has doubled in 2021, from $115B to over $231B driven by demand factors such as the need for food security, and supply factors such as capacity and the increases in energy costs.
Political instability, reflected in the imposition of tariffs and duties on trade and outright trading sanctions is causing additional uncertainty.
Our range of weekly price discovery Market Reports, monthly short term forecast Futures Reports and long-term forecast Outlook Reports provide subscribers with market intelligence, analysis and insights to navigate through turbulent market conditions, improving the decision taking in your organization.
Ammonia is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals in the world. It is the primary component used to produce all nitrogen containing fertilizers (urea, nitrates, ammonium sulphate, MAP and DAP), and is important in the manufacture of a wide range of industrial chemicals.
Nitrates
Nitrate fertilizers are, next to urea, an important nitrogen source for crops around the world. The three main nitrate fertilizers – urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonium nitrate (AN) and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) – in contrast to urea, contain nitrogen in the nitrate form, which can be directly taken up by plants.
Phosphates
Phosphorus is one of the three main macronutrients required in agriculture, along with nitrogen and potassium. Plants absorb phosphorus as phosphate where it is a critical raw material for plant cells, where is plays a role in energy storage and transfer, photosynthesis, respiration and cell division.
Potash
As one of the three main macronutrients, the potash industry supplies over 45 million tonnes of nutrient (K2O) to the global farming community, at a value exceeding $17 billion annually. Potassium is vital for all plants as it plays a key role in water uptake and the synthesis of plant material, improving plant health.
Sulphur
Within agriculture, sulphur is consumed as a plant nutrient, but most importantly as an intermediate in the production of phosphoric acid, and therefore for phosphate fertilizers. Almost all sulphur is used in the production of sulphuric acid, which is the most widely used inorganic chemical worldwide.
Urea
Nitrogen is by far the largest of the three primary nutrients required by plants for strong and heathy growth. Urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in the world, accounting for some 62% of global demand for this key nutrient.
Who we help
Trader
Changes in the macroeconomic landscape cause price sensitivity, making it difficult to trade at the right price and time. Spot opportunities and ensure you maximize profit by using accurate and timely price discovery and reporting on the latest deals and tenders available on the market.
Buyer
Maintaining a steady flow of supply whilst also maintaining positive profit margins is crucial. Our reports offer a forward-view on potential disruptions to supply and demand helping you to mitigate risk, as well as advise procurement strategy with the latest prices published weekly.
Analyst
A detailed understanding of long-term market trends is key to guiding strategic planning. Our in-depth markets analysis and price forecasting out to 2030 inform future investment opportunities, as well as help you mitigate risk exposure for your business.
At S&P Global we offer market-leading fertilizer information solutions via our globally recognized Fertecon, Chemical Economics Handbook and Specialty Chemical Update Program services. Specialists in offering comprehensive data and analysis across the global fertilizer market, with current, short-term and long-term solutions to support all operational needs in your organization.
Weekly and Bi-weekly Reports
Accurate price discovery across 150 key active price benchmarks as well as current information for global fertilizer markets across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates, Potash, Sulphur, Sulphuric Acid.
Monthly Futures Reports
Comprehensive analysis of short-term market developments, shipment lists, product cost analysis and short-term market outlook across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates and Sulphur.
Quarterly Market Reports
In-depth analysis of each market, detailing key projects and 10-year future forecasting for supply, demand, prices and costs across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates, Potash and Sulphur.
Chemical Economic Handbook
Comprehensive market overview with a five-year outlook of key industry drivers, producers, applications, trade, prices and supply/demand forecasts. Strategic analysis for over 250 chemical products and multiple value chains.
Specialty Chemicals Update Program
Detailed analysis of the global specialty chemicals industry. SCUP provides a strategic analysis of 38 specialty chemical businesses, including market drivers, key players, industry structure and dynamics, critical factors for success, and threats or opportunities.
Solutions
At IHS Markit we offer market-leading fertilizer information solutions via our globally recognised Fertecon service. Specialists in offering comprehensive data and analysis across the global fertilizer market, with current, short-term and long-term solutions to support all operational needs in your organisation.
Accurate price discovery across 150 key active price benchmarks as well as current information for global fertilizer markets across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates, Potash, Sulphur, Sulphuric Acid.
Comprehensive analysis of short-term market developments, shipment lists, product cost analysis and short-term market outlook across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates and Sulphur.
In-depth analysis of each market, detailing key projects and 10-year future forecasting for supply, demand, prices and costs across the core nutrients: Ammonia, Urea, Nitrates, Phosphates, Potash and Sulphur.
Pricing, supply-demand and forecasts delivered directly to your organisation to support centralised models and trading systems used by team members across your business.
Over three decades of historical pricing, production and trade data across all core nutrients available to purchase to support your organisation with strategic analysis and economic modelling.
Consulting
Consulting services spanning all your needs in the fertilizer markets, from long-term forecasting beyond what is available in our subscription services to market studies for financial investments reviewing everything from market forecasts to competitor intelligence.
Unlock new opportunities in the global fertilizer markets
