URGENT FERTILISER SUPPLY UPDATE – MAP & DAP SHORTAGE
Global Shortage of MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate) & DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)
This summer cropping season is facing unprecedented challenges in fertiliser supply. Availability of MAP fertiliser (monoammonium phosphate) and DAP fertiliser (diammonium phosphate) is expected to remain extremely limited worldwide, with serious implications for growers planning their nutrient programs.
Why is Fertiliser Supply Tight
China’s Export Restrictions Continue
Since 2021, China has imposed strict quotas and inspection rules on phosphate fertiliser exports to protect domestic prices and safeguard food security.
The impact has been dramatic:
- March 2025 exports: just 13,000 tonnes, compared with 950,000 tonnes in March 2022.
- Q1 2025 exports: 111,000 tonnes, versus a three-year average of 785,000 tonnes.
China’s internal demand continues to climb due to increased grain production and the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry, especially in battery manufacturing. Analysts predict that restrictions will remain in place... or even tighten... throughout 2025.
Other Suppliers Cannot Fill the Gap
Although Morocco, Russia, the USA, and Saudi Arabia also produce MAP and DAP, they cannot offset the sharp drop in Chinese exports.
The result is:
- Rising global fertiliser prices
- Longer delivery lead times
- Stricter supplier allocations
- Reduced pricing flexibility across the summer cropping season
What This Means for Growers
For olive growers and other professional producers, the impacts are already being felt:
- Reduced fertiliser availability for summer cropping
- Higher input costs with delivery delays
- Less flexibility in nutrient timing and program planning
Looking forward, risks include:
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Reduced or cancelled fertiliser allocations
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Possible product unavailability at short notice
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Last-minute program changes forced by supply shortages
Our Recommendations - Secure Your Supply Now
Do not wait for traditional ordering windows. Place orders immediately and consider forward contracting for next season. Securing current pricing now helps protect your operation against higher costs and potential shortages later.
Optimise Your Nutrient Strategy
- Review alternative phosphate fertiliser options
- Adjust application rates where agronomically feasible
- Consider split applications to maximise nutrient efficiency
- Explore precision application technologies to reduce overall fertiliser requirements
