--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260624-u-s-fertilizer-imports-from-hormuz-affected-ports-collapsed-93-in-may-data-show/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # U.S. fertilizer imports from Hormuz-affected ports fell 44% in May 2026 Publication Date: 2026-06-24T16:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-06-24T07:04:33-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/), [Sanctions & Export Controls](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/sanctions-export-controls/), [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/), [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/united-states/) ![Loading bulk fertilizers in the port of Gdansk, Poland.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/loading-bulk-fertilizers-in-the-port-of-gdansk-poland-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) Total inbound cargo from Gulf ports fell from 1.5 million tonnes to just 101,000 tonnes in May, with U.S. fertilizer imports down 44% as the Hormuz closure severed key supply routes. 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](https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/us-imports-hormuz-affected-ports-collapse-may-2026) Tags: [fertilizer prices](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/fertilizer-prices/), [food security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/food-security/), [Iran](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/iran/), [Middle East](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/middle-east/), [nitrogen fertilizer](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/nitrogen-fertilizer/), [phosphate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/phosphate/), [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/strait-of-hormuz/), [trade flows](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/trade-flows/), [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-states/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.