Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Natural gas prices, the main input for fertilizers, increased by up to 50%, driving up the cost of the sector (Agrolatam, 2026).
Prices for nitrogen fertilizers in the US market have risen by more than 30% in recent weeks (Agrolatam, 2026).
The price of urea in the United States increased by 34% before the planting season (Agrolatam, 2026).
Uruguay will exceed 350,000 hectares of brassicas in 2026 — compared to 348,000 in 2022 — driven by lower nitrogen fertilizer dependency versus wheat and canola prices consolidated above USD 500/mt. (El Observador, 2026).
Since February 28, 2026, only 5 fertilizer vessels have exited the Persian Gulf; the Gulf accounts for ~25% of global nitrogen fertilizer exports, generating a buildup of inventory with no clear exit, pushing global prices upward (Darragh & Bhanu, Kpler, 2026).
Gulf countries account for 13% of global nitrogen exports and 9% of phosphate nutrients; the Hormuz closure disrupts this critical chain for producing fertilizers such as urea and ammonia (UNCTAD, 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).
85% of the fertilizers used in Brazil are imported, which explains the high exposure to international shocks (Agrolatam, 2026).
0% is the temporary tariff applied to the import of fertilizers to lower agricultural production costs in Brazil (Agrolatam, 2026).
Brazil will allocate $2.9 billion to a new plan to reduce the impact of rising fertilizer prices on agriculture (Agrolatam, 2026).
