Fertilizer Prices Up for Five, Urea Dips Slightly - What It Means for You
Discover which fertilizers are climbing and why subtle drops in urea prices may not signal relief. With five key nutrients increasing and rising geopolitical risks around the Strait of Hormuz, the global agriculture sector is on alert.
Retail fertilizer prices tracked in early July by DTN highlight a general upward trend-with five key fertilizers increasing and three showing slight declines. Though no single nutrient saw drastic changes (above 5%), farmers are feeling the pinch.
Higher Prices:
| DAP | 810 |
| MAP | 847 |
| Potash | 481 |
| 10-34-0 | 672 |
| UAN32 | 501 |
Slightly Lower Prices:
| Urea | 656 |
| Anhydrous | 770 |
| UAN28 | 418 |
On a per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, urea sits at $0.71/lb N, anhydrous at $0.47, UAN28 at $0.75, and UAN32 at $0.78.
Geopolitical Flashpoint: Hormuz Strait Risk
A Rabobank study warns that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would negatively impact fertilizer markets, especially urea. Nearly 45% of global urea exports transit through this chokepoint.
High-risk importers include:
Brazil, importing 7.5-8.5 million metric tons/year.
India, importing 7-11 million metric tons/year.
Seasonality also amplify prices: Brazil's urea demand peaks June-November, with import lags seen in 2025 increasing October price pressure.
Year-Over-Year Comparisons (July 2025 vs. July 2024)
Seven fertilizers have risen year-over-year:
MAP +3%
10-34-0 +5%
DAP +7%
Anhydrous +9%
UAN28 +21%
UAN32 +29%
Urea +30%
Potash is the exception, currently 5% below last year's price.
Historical Price Tables
Dry Fertilizers
| Jul 1-5, 2024 | 760 | 821 | 506 | 506 |
| Jun 30-Jul 4, 2025 | 810 | 847 | 481 | 656 |
Liquid Fertilizers
| Jul 1-5, 2024 | 642 | 705 | 345 | 389 |
| Jun 30-Jul 4, 2025 | 672 | 770 | 418 | 501 |
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Why This Matters for Producers and Global Trade
Increased production costs across key nutrients mean tighter margins for farmers worldwide.
Urea softness is limited, and global supply remains vulnerable to geopolitical dynamics.
Importers like Brazil and India face heightened price and supply volatility this season.
Delayed imports exacerbate price spikes, especially during critical growing months.
A potential Hormuz Strait disruption could ripple sharply through fertilizer markets-and crop yields.
Farmers, traders, and agribusinesses should prepare for continued price pressures and consider forward purchases or price hedging, especially as the global energy and minerals landscape remains unstable. This isn't just a price update-it's a signal that supply-chain risks are deepening, with tangible effects on food production and global markets.