LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Farmers could face continued pressure on phosphate fertilizer prices as Mosaic reviews its production plan and begins partial curtailments in the U.S. and Brazil. The company says sulfur prices recently hit record levels, tightening margins for phosphate production.
Mosaic reported a first-quarter net loss of $258 million, while adjusted EBITDA totaled $416 million. Phosphate sales volumes reached 1.9 million tonnes, but the segment posted a $48 million operating loss as raw material costs rose by $280 million.
The pressure is not evenly distributed across the whole company. Potash performed better, with operating earnings of $177 million, as higher prices helped offset higher production costs. Mosaic still expects about 9 million tonnes of potash production in 2026.
Brazil remains another weak spot. Mosaic Fertilizantes posted a $422 million operating loss after charges tied to idling Araxa and Patrocinio, while credit constraints weighed on distribution margins.
The company now expects 2026 capital spending of $1.25 billion and is deferring less-urgent projects. Mosaic says phosphate demand remains supported, but raw material availability will shape output.
Industry leaders are calling for greater stability and transparency in fertilizer markets as concerns over supply constraints and input costs continue to ripple through the agriculture sector. The discussion follows market challenges stemming from the war in Iran, as highlighted in recent testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on current market conditions and the key issues being raised by producers and industry stakeholders.
In his interview with RFD News, Rosenbusch said the fertilizer industry is hearing ongoing concerns about price volatility and supply uncertainty, while emphasizing that the private sector is increasingly supportive of efforts to help farmers better understand the factors driving nutrient costs.
He also addressed his remarks during Tuesday’s hearing, expanding on the need for improved market insight and communication across the supply chain.
Rosenbusch agrees with lawmakers and USDA officials on the importance of strengthening domestic fertilizer production, noting the need to develop policies that support long-term supply stability rather than short-term fixes. He also outlined policy approaches that The Fertilizer Institute believes could improve market predictability and highlighted potential risks to agriculture if supply challenges are not addressed.
