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Fertiliser

Fertiliser is a substance applied to soil or plants to supply essential nutrients that promote growth and increase agricultural productivity. The industry encompasses the production, distribution and application of both organic materials, such as manure and compost, and synthetic chemical compounds manufactured through industrial processes. The three primary macronutrients supplied by fertilisers are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, often referred to collectively as NPK, though secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and sulphur, as well as micronutrients, are also important. Nitrogen fertilisers are typically produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which synthesises ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen, while phosphate fertilisers are derived from phosphate rock and potassium fertilisers from potash deposits. The global fertiliser industry is a critical component of modern agriculture, enabling the intensive food production necessary to support the world's population. Major producing regions include China, India, Russia, the US and Canada, with significant mining operations extracting potash, phosphate rock and other raw materials. The sector faces ongoing challenges related to energy costs, environmental concerns about nutrient runoff and eutrophication, and the need to improve nutrient-use efficiency. Demand is driven by population growth, dietary changes and the expansion of biofuel crops, while supply is influenced by natural-gas prices, which affect nitrogen-fertiliser production costs. The industry has seen consolidation among major producers and increasing interest in specialty fertilisers, controlled-release formulations and products tailored to specific crops and soil conditions.

Fertiliser Updates


EE Publishers MD Chris Yelland
Opinion: Why Eskom's carbon intensity may become the biggest strategic challenge for South African exporters
1st June 2026

In this article, EE Business Intelligence MD Chris Yelland writes that the immediate impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on South African exports is relatively limited, but... 


Green methanol plant
Hiryo coal-to-fertiliser and methanol project, South Africa – update
29th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The project will significantly reduce reliance on imported fertilisers. 


Dangote raises planned investment in Ethiopia fertiliser project to over $4bn
18th May 2026 By: Reuters

Nigerian-billionaire Aliko Dangote's group of companies has increased planned investment in a fertiliser plant in Ethiopia to more than $4-billion from $2.5-billion announced last year. Dangote... 


World Bank warns largest energy price surge in four years will drive inflation
15th May 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Energy prices are projected to surge by 24% this year to their highest level since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as the war in the Middle East sends a severe shock through global commodity... 


Image of polyhalite at the Woodsmith mine
Woodsmith polyhalite project, UK
15th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Fluor Corporation has been selected to undertake feasibility study activities for the project. 


Image of phosphates
Três Estradas phosphate project, Brazil – update
15th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Brazil's Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luís Roessler environmental agency has requested minor changes to the installation licence before final review. 


Geopolitics, energy prices, climate risks reshaping agriculture outlook – Coface
12th May 2026 By: Schalk Burger

A convergence of geopolitical tensions, higher energy prices and climate risks is reshaping the outlook for agricultural producers, exporters and agribusinesses, thereby creating conditions that... 


Potash ore
Mosaic swings to a first-quarter loss
12th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

NYSE-listed the Mosaic Company posted a net loss of $258-million for the first quarter of this year, compared with net income of $238-million reported for the first quarter of 2025. Mosaic’s North... 


A map showing the location of the Tres Estradas project and the crops grown in the region
Aguia expects approval for its Tres Estrada mine soon, as demand for phosphates grow
11th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

ASX-listed Aguia Resources is confident that it will soon be granted an operating licence for its Tres Estradas project, in Brazil, from the Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luís... 


The treatment set-up
Urine-based system targets nutrient recovery
1st May 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Urine beneficiation startup PeeCycling is advancing a decentralised fertiliser production model that recovers nutrients and water from human urine, offering a climate-resilient solution for... 


Kenyan President William Ruto
Kenya, Tanzania and neighbours discuss joint refinery as Dangote offers to build it
23rd April 2026 By: Reuters

East African countries are discussing plans for a joint oil refinery at Tanzania's port of Tanga modelled on Nigeria's Dangote plant, Kenyan President William Ruto said on Thursday. East Africa... 


Fertiliser
Fertiliser market, trade to recover far slower than prices if Iran war ends – analyst
16th April 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Independent Commodity Intelligence Services fertiliser analyst Chris Vlachopoulos has warned that the global fertiliser market faces disruption to supply chains and costs on an unprecedented scale.... 


IMF cuts South Africa’s growth outlook amid mounting war-linked energy crisis
IMF cuts South Africa’s growth outlook amid mounting war-linked energy crisis
14th April 2026 By: Terence Creamer

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its 2026 growth projection for the South African economy to only 1% from a January projection of 1.4%, as it warned that the outbreak of war in the... 


IMF, World Bank, IEA warn that fuel prices may remain high for prolonged period
IMF, World Bank, IEA warn that fuel prices may remain high for prolonged period
14th April 2026 By: Terence Creamer

The heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank Group have jointly warned that fuel and fertiliser prices may remain high for a prolonged... 


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