MAP Surge Drives Fertilizer Prices Higher
U.S. retail fertilizer prices showed a mixed trend in early August, but MAP stood out with a 6% monthly jump-raising farmer concerns ahead of 2026 planting plans.
U.S. retail fertilizer prices were mostly steady during the second week of August 2025, but monoammonium phosphate (MAP) broke the pattern with a 6% increase month-over-month, reaching an average of $895 per ton, according to DTN's weekly price survey. The move is considered significant, exceeding the 5% threshold that signals meaningful market shifts.
Other fertilizers showed only slight price changes. DAP averaged $825/ton, potash $484/ton, and UAN28 $421/ton-all slightly higher than July. Meanwhile, urea fell to $642/ton, 10-34-0 to $669/ton, anhydrous ammonia to $762/ton, and UAN32 to $489/ton.
Based on cost per pound of nitrogen, the market saw urea at $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous at $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 at $0.75/lb.N, and UAN32 at $0.76/lb.N, showing the cost premium associated with liquid nitrogen sources.
MAP was 6% more expensive compared to last month and had an average price of $895/ton.
Here's a snapshot of current retail fertilizer prices, comparing mid-July to mid-August 2025:
Dry Fertilizer Prices (US$/ton)
| July 14-18, 2025 | 847 | 811 | 481 | 654 |
| Aug 11-15, 2025 | 895 | 825 | 484 | 642 |
Liquid Fertilizer Prices (US$/ton)
| July 14-18, 2025 | 672 | 769 | 417 | 499 |
| Aug 11-15, 2025 | 669 | 762 | 421 | 489 |
Compared to a year ago, seven of the eight major fertilizers are now more expensive. Year-over-year, 10-34-0 is up 5%, MAP 10%, DAP 11%, anhydrous 12%, UAN28 25%, urea 28%, and UAN32 30%. Only potash is lower, down 3% versus last August.
Globally, fertilizer markets are also shifting. In Vietnam, a new 5% VAT on imported fertilizers took effect July 1. Importers rushed to bring in shipments during Q2 to avoid the tax, which aims to support domestic producers. As a result, internal demand is softening, and analysts expect a slowdown in Vietnam's Q3 fertilizer imports, according to Argus Media.
While the global trend may ease some international demand pressure, the U.S. market continues to reflect cost challenges. With fertilizer representing a major line item in crop budgets, U.S. farmers are already factoring these prices into their 2026 fertilization strategies, as highlighted by the University of Illinois' farmdoc Daily.
DTN, which has tracked national fertilizer averages since 2008, emphasizes that shifts like this MAP surge should be watched closely. They may influence co-op pricing decisions, prepay offers, and application timing as growers finalize fall purchases.