From January to April, global fertilizer trade fell to 41 million tonnes, down from 58 million tonnes during the same period in 2025. FAO noted that higher input costs and tighter farm margins led many growers to delay fertilizer purchases, further reducing market activity.
The report also highlighted that export restrictions introduced by several major producing countries, including China and Türkiye, contributed to lower global trade liquidity. Reflecting weaker trade volumes, the total value of global fertilizer trade declined 18% year on year to approximately US$18 billion during the four-month period.
Looking ahead, FAO expects market recovery to remain gradual, warning that continued supply uncertainty and slower purchasing activity in major importing regions could affect fertilizer availability and agricultural production during the 2026-2027 growing season.
