--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260820-ifdc-fertilizer-crisis-bulletin-24-nitrogen-pullback-china-urea/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # IFDC: China’s urea exports ease nitrogen prices, but fertilizer markets remain tense Publication Date: 2026-08-20T17:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-08-20T03:02:11-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/), [Nitrogen](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/nitrogen/), [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/) ![IFDC: China’s urea exports ease nitrogen prices, but fertilizer markets remain tense](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/international-fertilizer-development-center.jpeg) The latest Fertilizer Crisis Response Bulletin warns that renewed disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz or tighter export restrictions could quickly reverse the recent decline. Global fertilizer markets remain under pressure despite a pullback in nitrogen prices following China’s approval of additional urea exports, according to the International Fertilizer Development Center’s (IFDC) [24th Fertilizer Crisis Response Bulletin](https://ifdc.org/2026/08/11/fertilizer-crisis-response-bulletin-24-argus-fertilizer-crisis-update/), published Aug. 11. The bulletin, produced with Argus Media and AfricaFertilizer, said the return of Chinese volumes to international markets has eased some of the pressure created by earlier supply disruptions, but the relief could prove temporary. The bulletin points to continued risks from conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine. The Strait of Hormuz typically carries about one-third of globally traded fertilizer, leaving markets vulnerable while commercial traffic through the waterway remains constrained. Nitrogen prices have retreated sharply from their July highs as Chinese urea reaches international buyers, but IFDC said a renewed disruption to Hormuz shipping, a reversal of Chinese export quotas or additional sanctions-related restrictions could quickly send prices higher again. Recent market data similarly shows that the reopening of Chinese exports has been a key factor behind the decline in urea prices. Phosphate markets face a separate set of supply constraints. The bulletin highlights Russia’s sulfur export restrictions and China’s suspension of phosphate fertilizer exports through August, both of which could limit the availability of raw materials and finished products. IFDC also identifies Togo’s phosphate mining sector as a potential source of additional supply for West African markets. **Sources:** [International Fertilizer Development Center](https://ifdc.org/2026/08/11/fertilizer-crisis-response-bulletin-24-argus-fertilizer-crisis-update/) Tags: [Africa](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/africa/), [China](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/china/), [fertilizer prices](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/fertilizer-prices/), [food security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/food-security/), [IFDC](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/ifdc/), [nitrogen fertilizer](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/nitrogen-fertilizer/), [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/strait-of-hormuz/), [Ukraine](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/ukraine/), [urea](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/urea/) --- **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.