US retail fertilizer prices fall for 5th straight week as UAN28 drops 8% and urea slides 5%

U.S. retail fertilizer prices fell for a fifth consecutive week in the fourth week of August 2026, with six of eight major nutrients tracked by DTN Progressive Farmer posting month-over-month declines. UAN28 led the retreat at 8% lower than the prior month, averaging $428 per ton. Urea was 5% cheaper at $655 per ton.

Four other nutrients were slightly lower: potash at $493 per ton, 10-34-0 at $715 per ton, anhydrous ammonia at $923 per ton, and UAN32 at $458 per ton. DAP and MAP were the only exceptions, posting marginal month-over-month increases.

Despite the recent declines, most US retail fertilizer prices remain above year-ago levels. Potash and UAN28 are each 2% higher than a year earlier, urea is 4% more expensive, MAP is 5% higher, DAP is 7% higher, and anhydrous ammonia is 21% above its level a year ago. UAN32 is the sole exception, running 5% below its year-earlier level.

The sustained price retreat reflects the broader unwinding of the Strait of Hormuz supply shock that pushed nitrogen prices to multi-year highs in April and May. China’s decision to reopen urea exports and the September Tampa ammonia contract settling $80 per metric ton lower at $555 per metric ton CFR — the fourth consecutive monthly decline from May’s $825 peak — have both eased wholesale nitrogen markets.

Retail prices typically lag wholesale moves by several weeks as dealers work through inventories purchased at higher prices. Fall ammonia application season could temporarily strengthen some regional US retail fertilizer prices, particularly in the Midwest.

Source: DTN Progressive Farmer