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

Nitrogen and Potash Imports Increased in 2007

U.S. nitrogen and potash supplies largely depend on imports. About 62 percent of nitrogen and 88 percent of potash consumed in the U.S. in 2006 was from imports. Because of limited domestic production capacity, increased fertilizer demand will have to be met largely by imports.

In calendar year 2007, U.S. nitrogen net imports increased 27 percent, to 10.2 million tons, 2.2 million tons above 2006 net imports. From July to December of 2007, net imports of nitrogen increased 34 percent to 4.8 million tons, which is 1.2 million tons above net imports for the same time period in 2006. Nitrogen imports in these 6 months are expected to be used on 2008 crops.

U.S. potash net imports increased 22 percent, to 7.1 million tons, 1.3 million tons above 2006 net imports. From July to December of 2007, net imports increased 15 percent to 3.2 million tons, which is 400,000 tons above net imports for the same time period in 2006. Potash imports in these 6 months are also expected to be used on 2008 crops.