U.S. fertilizer imports from Hormuz-affected ports fell 44% in May 2026

U.S. fertilizer imports were among the most affected commodities during the Strait of Hormuz disruption, declining 44.2% year over year in May as cargo departures from Gulf ports nearly stopped, according to Descartes logistics data. Total U.S. imports from affected ports dropped 93.2%, from about 1.5 million metric tonnes in May 2025 to 101,000 tonnes in May 2026, underscoring the significant supply-chain disruption caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran.

May data show a sharp decline compared to earlier months. Over the previous 12 months, imports from Hormuz-affected ports fluctuated between a 28% decrease and a 26% increase year over year. Shipments fell 33% in March and 34.7% in April before dropping further in May, indicating trade flows weakened before the strait’s full closure. Fertilizers experienced the largest decline among major commodities tracked by Descartes, reflecting the U.S. market’s reliance on nitrogen and phosphate shipments from the Middle East. In contrast, imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products declined less, suggesting alternative supply sources were more accessible for energy commodities than for fertilizers.

Descartes data track cargo departing from ports in countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption, rather than by product origin, capturing shipments that were delayed, stranded, or rerouted. These findings are consistent with other trade monitoring, which shows fertilizer exports through the region fell by about 94% by June. This demonstrates the disruption’s broad impact on agricultural supply chains for both Gulf producers and international importers.

Although a U.S.-Iran ceasefire announced in mid-June has allowed vessel traffic to resume, analysts expect supply chains to recover gradually. Shipping insurers are still processing higher risk premiums, mine-clearance operations continue in parts of the Gulf, and regional ports need to rebuild inventories depleted during the disruption.

Source: Descartes