U.S. retail potash and UAN prices fall for first time in 14 weeks

U.S. retail potash and UAN32 prices edged lower in the third full week of May, the first weekly declines for any major crop nutrient since February, according to price data tracked by DTN.

The two products averaged $494 and $586 per US ton respectively, both slightly below the prior month. The move ended a run of 14 straight weeks of rising nutrient prices. DTN classifies a weekly change of 5% or more as significant, and these declines fell short of that threshold.

The other six of the eight major fertilizers DTN tracks were still slightly higher week-on-week, leaving the broader complex elevated. The softening follows the pause in the price climb reported earlier in May, and marks the first time individual products have actually retreated since disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz triggered a months-long surge in nitrogen and phosphate values.

All eight nutrients remain well above year-ago levels. Whether the easing extends into the spring application window will depend on Chinese export policy and the trajectory of Middle East supply risk, the two factors traders have flagged as most likely to set direction through the rest of 2026.

Source: DTN