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Why Brazilian Farmers Are Facing a Fertilizer Crisis

Why Brazilian Farmers Are Facing a Fertilizer Crisis

Tomas Pernias, StoneX Brazil Market Intelligence Analyst, examines how recent global events are pushing Brazilian fertilizer prices higher.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Conflict in the Middle East has added over $50 to urea prices within days
  • Brazil’s seasonal demand rise from July amplifies timing risk for farmers
  • EU sanctions on Russian imports may reshape global trade flows

Brazil’s Dependence on Fertilizer Imports

The Brazilian fertilizer market is highly dependent on imports, with more than 90 percent of urea consumed in 2023 sourced internationally. When conflict erupted in the Middle East, prices reacted sharply. “Brazilian buyers become concerned about what’s happening and the potential impact on prices”. Within days, urea prices rose by over $50 and ammonia and nitrate also saw increases north of 10 percent.

Urgent Seasonal Demand and Rising Input Costs

Brazil’s nitrogen fertilizer demand surges from July as farmers secure supplies for planting, but recent price spikes add over $50 per tonne just as they need inputs most. Higher credit costs and soft corn and soybean prices worsen affordability, putting producers under unprecedented cost pressure for the upcoming season.

EU Sanctions and Russian Fertilizer Supply

New EU penalties on Russian fertilizer imports will shift global trade patterns and raise prices for European farmers. Russia has become a growing supplier to Brazil,particularly for ammonium nitrate and MAP. While theoretical redirection of Russian volumes could benefit Brazilian buyers, Pernias cautions that <em“it>, given tight global supply and competition from the United States, India and China.</em“it>

Challenges Ahead for Brazilian Farmers

Without a clear path to de-escalation in the Middle East and with production down in key exporting regions, Brazilian producers face the prospect of even higher input costs. If credit remains expensive and crop price uncertainty persists, the squeeze on margins could deepen, posing risks to the planting season and wider agricultural output.

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---- Written by Gus Farrow

--- Expert: Tomas Pernias, StoneX Brazil Market Intelligence Analyst

 

  • Fertilizers

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