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.

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

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