Brazil sets new record in fertilizer imports amid global uncertainty

Brazil closed July with its strongest fertilizer import performance of the year, setting a new monthly record as global uncertainty drove farmers to stock up ahead of the planting season. Data released by the Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) show that 4.79 million tonnes entered the country in July 2025 — up 15.6% from June and 7.1% from July 2024, making it the highest July total ever.

Between January and July, imports reached 24.2 million tonnes, 8.8% higher year-on-year and surpassing the 2022 record by 2.2%. Russia remained the leading supplier with 6.88 million tonnes (28.2% of the total), followed by China at 5.14 million tonnes (21.2%), which marked a steep 75.7% increase from last year, while Canada supplied 3.1 million tonnes (12.8%), slightly below 2024 levels.

Analysts note that conflict in the Middle East and heightened U.S. tariff threats against buyers of Russian goods have added pressure to the market, prompting importers to bring forward purchases. Rising demand pushed prices higher in July: NP compounds averaged US$570.87 per tonne (+13.2% month-on-month), urea rose to US$427.37 (+7%), and MAP and KCl increased by 5–6%. On a yearly basis, urea is up 23%, MAP 23.8%, KCl 14.5%, and ammonium sulfate 6.2%.

The Port of Paranaguá handled the largest share of arrivals (6.34m tonnes), followed by Santos (3.91m), Rio Grande (3.86m), São Luís (2.31m), and Salvador (1.61m). Total spending on fertilizer imports between January and July hit US$8.8 billion, up 16% from the same period in 2023, with fertilizers accounting for 5.2% of Brazil’s total imports.

With the busiest half of the year still ahead, consultancy Datagro expects 2025 to break new records in both volume and value. Farmers who delayed purchases may face tighter margins, but analysts stress that securing fertilizers remains essential, as input shortages would cause heavier losses than higher prices.

source: datamarnews.com

photo: riotimesonline.com