U.S. Fertilizer Imports/Exports: Summary of the Data Findings

U.S. Fertilizer Imports/Exports Summary of the Data Findings Standard Tables Custom Queries Documentation

July-December Imports of Nitrogen and Potash Decreased in 2008, While Phosphate Exports Increased

U.S. nitrogen and potash supplies largely depend on imports. More than 52 percent of nitrogen and 85 percent of potash was from imports in 2007. Because domestic production capacity is limited, any increase in fertilizer demand will have to be met largely by imports. Fertilizer nutrients imported from July to December of 2008 are expected to be used for 2009 crops.

From July to December of 2008, imports of nitrogen totaled 4.74 million tons, down 19 percent (1.08 million tons) from July-December 2007 totals. Meanwhile, U.S. nitrogen exports decreased 3 percent, to 1.01 million tons, compared with the same time period in 2007. As a result, net nitrogen imports in July-December were down over 1 million tons from 2007. In December 2008, imports dropped 42 percent and exports fell 67 percent, reflecting weak demand worldwide for nitrogen.

From July to December of 2008, U.S. potash imports totaled 3.01 million tons, down 8 percent (260,000) tons from July-December 2007 (table 1). U.S. potash exports, at 420,000 tons, were 350,000 tons above exports for the same period in 2007. As a result, net imports in July-December fell over 600,000 tons from 2007. In December 2008, U.S. potash imports fell 20 percent and exports fell 15 percent, again reflecting soft demand worldwide.

From July to December of 2008, exports of U.S. phosphate increased 6 percent to 2.30 million tons, which is 6 percent above exports for the same time period in 2007. Meanwhile, U.S. phosphate imports increased 60,000 tons (63 percent) above July-December 2007 imports. As a result, net phosphate exports in July-December increased 80,000 tons from 2007. December 2008 exports were down 57 percent.