Fertilizer Imports/Exports: Summary of the Data Findings

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

July-December Imports of Plant Nutrients Increased in 2010 and Exports Decreased

U.S. nitrogen and potash supplies largely depend on imports. More than 55 percent of nitrogen (N) and 81 percent of potash (K₂O) supply was from imports in calendar year 2009 (the latest full year of production data available). 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 largely depends on domestic production. The U.S. is the largest producer of phosphate fertilizers in the world, providing more than 90 percent of the amount of phosphate used in 2009, and exporting more than 44 percent of its production to other countries.

In calendar year 2010, the U.S. imported 10.57 (near record), 0.40 (record), and 6.92 (record) million tons of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, respectively. Imports of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash increased 31, 239, and 120 percent, respectively, from 2009 imports. Meanwhile, in 2010 the U.S. exported 1.94, 4.44, and 0.10 million tons of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, respectively. Nitrogen, phosphate, and potash exports decreased 14, 12, and 12 percent, respectively, from 2009 exports.

Plant nutrients imported from July to December of 2010 are expected to be used for 2011 crops. From July to December of 2010, imports of nitrogen totaled 5.34 million tons, up 37 percent from July-December 2009 totals (see table). Meanwhile, U.S. nitrogen exports decreased 5 percent, to 0.88 million tons, compared with the same time period in 2009 (see table). As a result, net nitrogen imports in July-December were up over 1.39 million tons from 2009.

From July to December of 2010, U.S. potash imports totaled 3.26 million tons, up 81 percent from July-December 2009. U.S. potash exports, at 0.07 million tons, were down 58 percent. As a result, net potash imports in July-December were up over 1.56 million tons from 2009.

From July to December of 2010, exports of U.S. phosphate totaled 2 million tons, which is 9 percent below exports for the same time period in 2009. Meanwhile, U.S. phosphate imports were 0.27 million tons, which is 287 percent more than July-December 2009 imports. As a result, net phosphate exports in July-December decreased 0.39 million tons from 2009.

The increase in net imports of nitrogen and potash, and decrease in net exports of phosphate in 2010 reflect strong domestic demand for plant nutrients due to expected high prices for 2011 crops. In general, higher plant nutrient supplies, higher fertilizer prices, lower input (natural gas) costs, and improved fertilizer delivery and storage systems prevailed in 2010.