Recent developments
Geopolitics and supply
Fertilizer trade remained volatile due to the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, pushing prices higher. Yara reported higher margins and strong volumes in Q1 2026 while noting affordability pressure. In parallel, seven MDBs pledged support for energy, fertilizer and trade‑route shocks via financing, policy and supply‑chain tools.
Nitrogen capacity moves
In nitrogen, Petrobras restarted fertilizer production at Fafen‑BA and resumed urea production at Araucária Nitrogenados (Ansa). It also approved UFN III construction, lifting Brazil’s domestic supply outlook. SABIC signaled potential urea expansion pending feedstock allocation. Logistics advanced as thyssenkrupp Uhde won FEED for Brunei Fertilizer Industries’ ammonia export expansion.
Alternative nutrients and ores
Beyond nitrogen, Fluor’s feasibility study for Anglo American’s Woodsmith mine advanced a large polyhalite source for low‑carbon fertilizers. Europe’s diversification gained traction as LKAB advanced a demonstration plant to extract phosphorus and rare earths from iron‑ore residuals, with permitting and commissioning steps underway.
Biologicals and seeds
Biologicals capacity rose as BASF commissioned the BioHub fermentation plant at Ludwigshafen for microbial crop‑protection actives. Seed supply upgrades continued with BASF’s €40m modernization of Nunhem processing. Market access broadened as BASF and Nutrien partnered to expand farmer access to low‑carbon biofuel markets via CI tracking and agronomy support.
Market, portfolios, services
Demand signals were mixed as Croda Q1 2026 sales met guidance with weaker Crop Protection. Portfolio reshaping continued when dsm‑firmenich sold its Action Pin agro ingredients business, while capabilities were showcased by Saltigo showcasing custom‑manufacturing technology and Synthos AGRO participation at ChemSpec Europe 2026. Downstream, Nextchem’s Licensing and Process Design Package for a urea‑to‑DEF plant in Virginia reflects rising DEF demand.