Mixed Fertilizer Market

The global mixed fertilizer market is anticipated to experience growth from 2022 to 2030, with consumption expected to increase by 2.6% annually, reaching 247M tons by 2030. The market value is projected to reach $140.7B by 2030. Key consuming countries include China, Brazil, and India, while major exporters are Russia, Morocco, and China. Global trends indicate fluctuations in production and import prices, with notable growth seen in countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for mixed fertilizers worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.6% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 247M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $140.7B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Mixed Fertilizers

In 2022, consumption of mixed fertilizers decreased by -0.4% to 202M tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. Global consumption peaked at 206M tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global mixed fertilizer market size reached $96B in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the market value increased by 7.8% against the previous year. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $99.2B. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the global market failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (45M tons), Brazil (32M tons) and India (18M tons), with a combined 47% share of global consumption. The United States, Russia, Canada, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the key consuming countries, was attained by Canada (with a CAGR of +8.8%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest mixed fertilizer markets worldwide were China ($17.9B), Brazil ($12.5B) and India ($6.5B), together accounting for 38% of the global market. The United States, Canada, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Canada, with a CAGR of +5.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of mixed fertilizer per capita consumption in 2022 were Brazil (149 kg per person), Canada (123 kg per person) and Saudi Arabia (108 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Canada (with a CAGR of +7.6%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Mixed Fertilizers

In 2022, production of mixed fertilizers decreased by -0.5% to 201M tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 11%. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak volume at 203M tons in 2021, and then fell slightly in the following year.

In value terms, mixed fertilizer production fell to $83.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $101.6B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

China (52M tons) remains the largest mixed fertilizer producing country worldwide, accounting for 26% of total volume. Moreover, mixed fertilizer production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Brazil (23M tons), twofold. Russia (22M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with an 11% share.

In China, mixed fertilizer production increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (+0.6% per year) and Russia (+3.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Mixed Fertilizers

In 2022, purchases abroad of mixed fertilizers decreased by -7.7% to 57M tons for the first time since 2011, thus ending a ten-year rising trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 13%. Global imports peaked at 62M tons in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, mixed fertilizer imports soared to $42.4B in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 54%. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

India (9.6M tons) and Brazil (9.2M tons) represented the largest importers of mixed fertilizers in 2022, resulting at approx. 17% and 16% of total imports, respectively. Ethiopia (2.3M tons), Canada (2.2M tons), Argentina (1.9M tons), the United States (1.7M tons), Australia (1.5M tons), Thailand (1.3M tons), Romania (1.2M tons), Bangladesh (1M tons) and France (0.9M tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Ethiopia (with a CAGR of +15.3%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, India ($8B), Brazil ($8B) and Canada ($1.7B) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 42% of global imports. Argentina, the United States, Australia, Thailand, Romania, Ethiopia, France and Bangladesh lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Romania, with a CAGR of +17.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, mixed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers (16M tons), diammonium phosphate (14M tons), monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (12M tons) and fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates (11M tons) represented the largest type of mixed fertilizers in the world, generating 96% of total import. The following types - fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates (1.3M tons) and mixed phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizers (1.1M tons) - each recorded a 4.2% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates (with a CAGR of +12.9%), while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, diammonium phosphate ($12.2B), mixed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers ($11.2B) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) ($10.6B) appeared to be the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 81% of global imports. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates, mixed phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizers and fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 19%.

Among the main imported products, fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates, with a CAGR of +14.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

The average mixed fertilizer import price stood at $741 per ton in 2022, picking up by 42% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, mixed fertilizer import price increased by +113.8% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 51% against the previous year. Global import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was monoammonium phosphate (MAP) ($863 per ton), while the price for fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates ($551 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by monoammonium phosphate (+3.8%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average mixed fertilizer import price amounted to $741 per ton, jumping by 42% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, mixed fertilizer import price increased by +113.8% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 51%. Global import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($871 per ton), while Ethiopia ($333 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+4.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Mixed Fertilizers

In 2022, shipments abroad of mixed fertilizers decreased by -8.2% to 56M tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 20%. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at 62M tons in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, mixed fertilizer exports soared to $39.9B in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 65% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports By Country

The shipments of the six major exporters of mixed fertilizers, namely Russia, Morocco, China, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Norway, represented more than two-thirds of total export. Belgium (2M tons), Belarus (1.3M tons) and the Netherlands (1.2M tons) held a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +76.9%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Russia ($9.6B), Morocco ($6.8B) and China ($5.6B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 55% share of global exports. The United States, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Belarus lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +80.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

Diammonium phosphate (15M tons), mixed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers (15M tons), monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (13M tons) and fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates (9M tons) represented roughly 96% of total exports in 2022. The following types - mixed phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizers (1.1M tons) and fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates (0.9M tons) - each accounted for a 3.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exported products, was attained by fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates (with a CAGR of +11.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of exported mixed fertilizers were diammonium phosphate ($12.3B), mixed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers ($11.1B) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) ($10.3B), together accounting for 84% of global exports. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates, mixed phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizers and fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

Among the main exported products, fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates, with a CAGR of +13.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

The average mixed fertilizer export price stood at $707 per ton in 2022, rising by 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, mixed fertilizer export price increased by +110.1% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 50% against the previous year. The global export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was diammonium phosphate ($797 per ton), while the average price for exports of mixed phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizers ($531 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing nitrates and phosphates (+4.1%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average mixed fertilizer export price amounted to $707 per ton, with an increase of 41% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, mixed fertilizer export price increased by +110.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 50% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($778 per ton), while Belarus ($342 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+4.3%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform