Retail fertilizer prices increased across all eight major nutrients during the second week of February 2026, with urea posting a significant 5% monthly gain to an average of $601 per ton, marking the first time since early October 2025 that the nitrogen fertilizer has traded above the $600 threshold. The move matters for U.S. producers because spring application season is approaching, input costs are tightening margins, and geopolitical tensions threaten global supply chains.

Seven additional fertilizers recorded moderate month-over-month gains. Average prices reached $851/ton for DAP, $879 for MAP, $487 for potash, $665 for 10-34-0, $861 for anhydrous ammonia, $411 for UAN28 and $465 for UAN32.

Nitrogen fertilizers continue to anchor the rally. On a price-per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, urea averaged $0.65/lb.N, compared to $0.52 for anhydrous ammonia and $0.73 for both UAN28 and UAN32. While anhydrous remains the lowest-cost nitrogen source per pound, logistics and application timing often dictate grower preference.

Urea's rebound above $600 per ton signals tightening availability just as growers finalize nutrient programs for corn and other row crops. Strong corn acreage expectations, combined with firm natural gas markets and export demand, are supporting the nitrogen complex.

Adding to market volatility, Iran announced temporary closures of the Strait of Hormuz for military exercises. Roughly one-third of globally traded fertilizer volumes transit this corridor. Any prolonged disruption could significantly impact nitrogen exports, particularly urea, as an estimated 45% of global urea exports originate from the region.

For U.S. agriculture, the implications are clear: higher transportation risk premiums, potential import delays, and elevated wholesale replacement costs as spring demand peaks.

Year-Over-Year Trends Show Persistent Inflation

Compared to February 2025, all eight fertilizers are now trading higher:

• 10-34-0: +4%

• MAP: +9%

• Potash: +10%

• Urea: +12%

• DAP: +13%

• Anhydrous: +15%

• UAN32: +18%

• UAN28: +20%

These year-over-year gains underscore the structural cost pressures facing U.S. producers, from energy markets to global trade flows and domestic logistics.

Retail Fertilizer Price Table - Dry Fertilizers

Liquid Fertilizers

As Congress debates farm bill priorities and producers evaluate crop insurance coverage levels for 2026, fertilizer remains one of the most significant variable input costs. Elevated nitrogen prices could influence corn-to-soybean acreage decisions and affect overall U.S. yield potential if application rates are adjusted.

Growers, co-ops and ag retailers are closely monitoring wholesale replacement values and global trade routes. With commodity prices still sensitive to export demand and weather risk, nutrient cost volatility remains a key factor shaping 2026 profitability projections.