Two major shocks have recently struck the global agrochemical market in quick succession, pushing the fertilizer supply chain to a dangerous tipping point. Russia has announced a one-month ban on ammonium nitrate exports; the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a 15%–20% surge in global fertilizer prices in the first half of 2026.

In early March, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran sent shockwaves through the Strait of Hormuz, and tanker traffic ground to a near halt. Nitrogen prices began climbing fast.

Delray Beach, FL, March 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In terms of value, the Ammonium Sulfate Market is projected to grow from USD 5.75 billion in 2025 to USD 6.81 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.4%, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets™.

The global agricultural landscape is at a critical juncture, with structural economic forces fundamentally reshaping trends in the fertilizer market. Volatile energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and evolving trade patterns have made nutrient delivery to farms worldwide more complex than ever before. These macroeconomic pressures extend far beyond typical supply-demand dynamics, affecting everything from production economics to farmer purchasing behavior.