Russia curbs some nitrogen fertilizer exports as war hits supply

Russia is the world’s second-largest fertiliser producer. Read more at straitstimes.com.

MOSCOW – Russia has temporarily suspended exports of ammonium nitrate, further tightening the global supply of crop nutrients already strained by the Iran war.

The Agriculture Ministry has paused exports from March 21 to April 21, Tass newswire reported, citing a government statement. Supplies under intergovernmental agreements are exempt.

“The suspension of exports will allow priority supply to the domestic market during the spring fieldwork period and ensure its uninterrupted progress amid rising export demand for nitrogen fertilisers,” the ministry said.

The announcement comes as global flows of fertilisers have been disrupted by the Iran war.

The Strait of Hormuz – a crucial maritime transit point linking the Persian Gulf to the open ocean – has been effectively closed since the conflict erupted at the end of February. The waterway handles about one-third of the global fertiliser trade.

The supply risks are compounded as China, the top producer of nutrients, has also curbed exports.