Brazil’s fertilizer imports and production decline

São Paulo – Brazilian fertilizer imports and domestic production experienced declines from January through July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data released by fertilizer lobby ANDA on Monday (5). The primary reason for the decrease in imports is the Middle East conflict. According to ANDA's data, Brazil imported 22.98 million tonnes of fertilizer from January to July 2026, which is an 8.8% decrease from the same period in 2025.

Import figures for July alone dropped by 22.3%, totaling 3.96 million tonnes. ANDA stated that imports were on track at the beginning of the year but slowed after the conflict between the United States and Iran escalated on February 28. The organization explained that purchases were proceeding normally at the beginning of the year, but a slowdown in new business became evident from May, leading to lower deliveries that will impact the 2026/2027 crop cycle.

FROM JULY 2026 TO SEPTEMBER, ANDA noted signs of a slowdown in imports. Lower purchase commitments during this period underscore the importance of monitoring inventories for the upcoming application cycle, as higher production remains a forecasted outcome. Brazil, one of the world's largest food producers, heavily depends on foreign fertilizer supplies for its crops, relying mainly on suppliers from countries affected by the conflict or its aftermath, such as Arab nations.

ANDA also reported a decline in domestic production, with Brazil producing 3.34 million tonnes from January to July 2026, representing a 19.7% decrease from the same period in 2025. Production in July 2026 alone was 517,000 tonnes, which was 19.9% lower than the corresponding month in 2025. The primary reason for this decline is Brazil's phosphate fertilizer production.

Sulfur, a key input in phosphate fertilizer production, has seen continued price increases in the market, contributing to the lower production levels.