DAP Fertilizer Jumps 5% as U.S. Prices Shift Ahead of 2026 Season
Retail fertilizer prices were mixed in early September, but DAP surged 5% to $860/ton, now 16% higher than a year ago, as nitrogen supply concerns grow.
Average retail fertilizer prices in early September 2025 were mixed, but diammonium phosphate (DAP) stood out with a 5% month-over-month increase, reaching $860 per ton. Compared to the same week a year ago, DAP is now 16% more expensive, underscoring growing cost pressures for U.S. crop producers as the fall application season begins.
According to the latest DTN Fertilizer Index, four out of eight major fertilizers saw slight price increases, while the other four declined marginally. MAP (monoammonium phosphate) averaged $913/ton, potash climbed to $487/ton, and anhydrous ammonia rose slightly to $767/ton. Meanwhile, prices dropped for urea ($632/ton), 10-34-0 ($667/ton), UAN28 ($415/ton), and UAN32 ($481/ton).
The average retail price of DAP during the first week of September 2025 was $860 per ton, up 5% from a month ago. The price of the phosphorous fertilizer is now 16% higher than it was a year ago
Here's a full breakdown of average U.S. retail fertilizer prices:
Dry Fertilizer Prices (US$/ton)
| Date (2025) | DAP | MAP | Potash | Urea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 7-11 | 810 | 847 | 481 | 658 |
| Aug 4-8 | 822 | 892 | 484 | 646 |
| Sep 1-5 | 860 | 913 | 487 | 632 |
Liquid Fertilizer Prices (US$/ton)
| Date (2025) | 10-34-0 | Anhydrous | UAN28 | UAN32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 7-11 | 672 | 769 | 417 | 501 |
| Aug 4-8 | 669 | 765 | 421 | 498 |
| Sep 1-5 | 667 | 767 | 415 | 481 |
On a per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, prices averaged $0.69/lb.N for urea, $0.47/lb.N for anhydrous, $0.74/lb.N for UAN28, and $0.75/lb.N for UAN32.
Beyond domestic pricing, global nitrogen supply challenges are intensifying. European production facilities are running at just 75% capacity, while Trinidad is also struggling with output. Russia's exports remain restricted, with the U.S. as its only viable export destination-one that could be closed off if new tariffs are imposed under a potential Trump administration.
In North America, starting inventories were low in 2025, and plant maintenance schedules further reduced supply. If global issues persist, U.S. fertilizer exports may rise, worsening local availability just as nitrogen demand is expected to surge in spring 2026, driven by expanded corn acreage.
Although there's no guarantee of a repeat of the 2025 spring fertilizer shortage, current market dynamics suggest greater volatility and supply risks heading into the new planting cycle.
From a year-over-year perspective, all eight fertilizers are now more expensive than they were in September 2024:
| Fertilizer | YoY Price Change |
|---|---|
| UAN32 | +32% |
| Urea | +29% |
| UAN28 | +27% |
| DAP | +16% |
| Anhydrous | +14% |
| MAP | +12% |
| 10-34-0 | +5% |
| Potash | +1% |
These persistent increases are tightening farm budgets and forcing many producers to reconsider timing, sourcing, and application strategies. Recent guidance from agronomic experts warns against overapplying phosphorus fertilizers, especially when soil test levels are already high, as it can reduce economic efficiency and increase environmental risks.
Given the price volatility, potential trade shifts, and input cost inflation, U.S. producers are advised to monitor fertilizer markets closely and work proactively with co-ops and suppliers. Strategies like early purchasing, variable rate application, and soil testing may help buffer the impact as the 2026 season approaches.
