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).
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell more than 95% (from over 100 vessels per day to fewer than 10), disrupting flows of oil, LNG and fertilizers essential for global agricultural production (UNCTAD, 2026).
21% was the reduction in maize production cost per ton, associated with a 14% decrease in agrochemical spending and 6.5% lower operating costs.
2025 was the year in which urea dominated the U.S. nitrogenous fertilizer market as the product segment with the largest share.
2025 was the year in which agricultural use was the leading end-use segment of the U.S. nitrogenous fertilizer market.
AI is transforming the manufacturing and application of nitrogen fertilizers in the U.S. by analyzing soil, weather, and crop behavior to support precise nutrient management strategies.
AI enables growers to use less fertilizer while maintaining reliable crop yields by supporting precise nutrient management strategies under uncertain market conditions.
Precision agriculture, through GPS-enabled application technology, soil moisture measurement, and analytics tools, helps better target nitrogen applications, reduce waste, and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
