Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
The value of the global fertilizer trade fell by 8.9% in 2024 compared to 2023 (Plataforma Tierra, 2026).
$85.7 billion was the value of the world fertilizer trade in 2024 (Plataforma Tierra, 2026).
The global demand for nutrients will reach 205 Mt in the fertilizer year 2025/26 (Earth Platform, 2026).
Fertilizer-related outbound shipments through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to their lowest level since January 2026 following Iran's announcement of the strait's closure on 2 March 2026.
Rising borrowing costs are increasing the potential economic burden of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the military escalation, sovereign bond yields rose by between 0.24 and 0.64 percentage points, reaching as high as 7.1%.
33% of global maritime fertilizer trade (16 Mt) passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and in some countries, up to 54% of imports come from the Persian Gulf. During the last energy crisis, the natural gas index exceeded 1,000, while nitrogen fertilizers exceeded 700 (urea) and 900 (DAP).
Freight rates for oil tankers rose (BDTI +54% and BCTI +72%), while marine fuel prices increased by up to +99% for low-sulfur fuel and +100% for high-sulfur fuel, driving up transportation costs in global supply chains.
The price of Brent crude rose by 27%, reaching approximately $91.80 per barrel, while the price of European natural gas (TTF) rose by 74%, reaching nearly €55.80 per MWh.
33% of global biodiversity hotspots are located in grassland regions threatened by agricultural expansion (Kan et al., 2026).
Between 20% and 35% of the world's terrestrial carbon is stored in grasslands, ecosystems currently under increasing agricultural pressure (Kan et al., 2026).
