Russia Halts Ammonium Nitrate Exports, Deepening Global Fertilizer Crisis

Key Details Russia has temporarily suspended ammonium nitrate exports from March 21 through April 21, according to Tass newswire. The Agriculture Ministry exempted supplies covered by intergovernmental agreements and cited the need to prioritize domestic farmers during spring fieldwork season. Why It Matters As the world's second-largest fertilizer producer, Russia supplies roughly 20% of global nutrient trade. This export pause compounds existing supply shortages already strained by the Iran conflict, which has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz - a critical waterway handling one-third of global fertilizer shipments. The Bigger Picture China, the top nutrient producer, has also restricted exports, intensifying supply constraints. Russia's nitrogen fertilizer output has been further hampered by war damage, including a February fire at Dorogobuzh PJSC that idled a facility producing 2 million metric tons annually until May. Business Impact Shortages during peak Northern Hemisphere planting season will likely spike fertilizer prices and farmer costs. Limited available stocks will intensify competition, potentially driving up food prices downstream. Russia set its nitrogen fertilizer export quota at 10.6 million tons through May, well below typical levels.