Fertilizer Imports/Exports: Summary of the Data Findings

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

2011 Saw Record Imports of Fertilizers and Increased Phosphate Exports

U.S. nitrogen and potash supplies largely depend on imports. More than 54 percent of nitrogen (N) and 85 percent of potash (K₂O) supply was from imports in calendar year 2011. Because domestic production capacity is limited, any increase in nitrogen and potash demands will have to be met largely by imports. In contrast, U.S. phosphate (P₂O₅) supply mainly depends on domestic production, which provides over 90 percent of domestic use. The U.S. is the second largest producer of phosphate fertilizers in the world (after China), exporting more than 41 percent of its production in 2011.

In calendar year 2011, the U.S. imported 10.79 million tons of nitrogen (record), 0.63 million tons of phosphate (record), and 7.23 million tons of potash (record). Imports of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash increased 2, 52, and 5 percent, respectively, from 2010 imports. Meanwhile, in 2011 the U.S. exported 1.68, 4.27, and 0.13 million tons of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, respectively. Net nitrogen and potash imports increased 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively, while net phosphate exports decreased 9 percent from 2010.

Plant nutrients imported from July to December of 2011 are expected to be used for 2012 crops. From July to December of 2011, imports of nitrogen totaled 5.10 million tons, down 4 percent from July-December 2010 totals (see table). Meanwhile, U.S. nitrogen exports also were down 4 percent, to 0.85 million tons, compared with the same time period in 2010 (see table). As a result, net nitrogen imports in July-December were down over 0.16 million tons from 2010.

From July to December of 2011, exports of U.S. phosphate totaled 2.07 million tons, up 3 percent over the same time period in 2010. Meanwhile, U.S. phosphate imports were 0.16 million tons, which is 44 percent less than July-December 2010 imports. As a result, net phosphate exports in July-December increased 0.18 million tons from 2010.

From July to December of 2011, U.S. potash imports totaled 2.88 million tons, down 12 percent from July-December 2010. U.S. potash exports, at 0.05 million tons, were down 22 percent. As a result, net potash imports in July-December were down 0.37 million tons from 2010.

Record high imports of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in 2011 were driven mainly by strong domestic demand for plant nutrients resulting from high crop prices in 2011. Meanwhile, many fertilizer companies also experienced record net returns, mainly driven by high fertilizer prices and low input (natural gas) costs. Slight declines in net nitrogen and phosphate imports and an increase in net phosphate exports from July-December, however, reflect softening in domestic demands for plant nutrients.