NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Fertilizer supplies are tightening ahead of spring planting, as lower imports, transportation challenges, and global disruptions are pressuring availability and prices for U.S. producers.
USDA data shows fertilizer imports fell 7 percent below average in the second half of 2025, with phosphate products seeing the sharpest declines. Domestic production remained mostly steady, but not enough to fully offset reduced import volumes — especially for key nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Transportation trends are also mixed. Rail shipments are running near or slightly above average, but barge movements on the Mississippi River system are below normal due to weaker import flows into New Orleans. That slowdown is limiting how efficiently fertilizer moves inland during a critical pre-plant window.
Global factors are adding pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted nitrogen fertilizer production and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key supply route. Urea prices have already surged, rising 37% from February to March.
Despite rising costs, USDA expects strong corn acreage this year, which will keep demand for nitrogen fertilizer elevated.
