Middle East conflict threatens fertilizer supply ahead of U.S. planting season

Rising tensions in the Middle East following U.S. strikes on Iran have disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns about fertilizer availability ahead of the spring planting season in the U.S. Industry analysts say the conflict could constrain supplies of key nutrients used by farmers, particularly nitrogen fertilizers derived from natural gas.

Production disruptions in Qatar have added to the pressure. Facilities linked to the state energy company QatarEnergy halted operations after drone strikes, temporarily removing a significant portion of global natural gas supply from the market. The shutdown also affected downstream fertilizer products, including urea, a widely used nitrogen fertilizer. Qatar was the world’s second-largest exporter of urea in 2024, while Iran ranked third and is also a major supplier of ammonia.

Industry groups warn the disruption could affect a substantial share of global fertilizer output. According to economists at The Fertilizer Institute, roughly 30% of global ammonia production and nearly half of urea output could be exposed to risks stemming from the conflict and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Slowing vessel traffic and security concerns in the region are further complicating exports of fertilizers and energy products, potentially tightening supply and increasing costs for farmers during a critical period of crop planting.

Sources: WIRED