Brazil’s fertilizer imports hit July record amid rising global prices

Brazil recorded its highest monthly volume of fertilizer imports of the year in July, at 4.79 million tonnes, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC). The result represents an increase of 15.6% compared to June and 7.1% compared to the same month in 2024, setting a historic record for the month of July.

In the year-to-date for 2025, external purchases totaled 24.2 million tonnes, an increase of 8.8% compared to the same period last year. The volume surpassed the previous record, set in 2022, by 2.2%, with 23.67 million tonnes imported.

Below is a historical overview of fertilizer imports from January 2022 to June 2025. The chart was prepared using data from DataLiner:

Brazilian Fertilizer Imports | 2022 – 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Between January and July, Russia remained the main supplier, with 6.88 million tonnes (28.2% of the total), up 18% from the same period in 2024. China ranked second, with 5.14 million tonnes (21.2%), representing a 75.7% year-over-year increase. Canada came in third, with 3.1 million tonnes (12.8%), a drop of 2.2%.

The market was influenced by geopolitical uncertainties, such as the conflict in the Middle East and the escalation of the tariff dispute led by the United States, according to Datagro. The risk of new tariffs on countries maintaining commercial relations with Russia, including Brazil, increased concern over supply, and pushed up international prices.

The consultancy notes that producers brought forward purchases to ensure supply, a movement reflected in the July figures. Latin American farmers may be affected if U.S. sanctions on importers of Russian fertilizers expand, potentially impacting crops such as avocados in Mexico, coffee and fruit in Colombia, as well as soybeans and corn in Brazil.

With higher demand, prices rose in July. The average CIF price for NP compounds reached US$570.87 per tonne, an increase of 13.2% compared to June and 15.9% compared to July 2024. Urea rose 7% in the month, to US$427.37 per tonne. MAP and KCl registered monthly increases of between 5% and 6%. Over the year, urea has increased by 23%, MAP by 23.8%, KCl by 14.5%, and ammonium sulfate by 6.2%.

Datagro also highlights the concern among Brazilian importers of Russian fertilizers regarding potential U.S. retaliation, which has led companies to seek alternative suppliers in a market with limited options. U.S.-based Mosaic warned that further commercial disruptions among major exporters could heighten price volatility.

In the year to date, the Port of Paranaguá (PR) was the main entry point, with 6.34 million tonnes (26.2% of the total), followed by Santos (SP), with 3.91 million (16.2%); Rio Grande (RS), with 3.86 million (16%); São Luís (MA), with 2.31 million (9.5%); and Salvador (BA), with 1.61 million (6.7%).

Brazilian spending on fertilizers reached US$8.8 billion from January to July, a 16% increase from the same period in 2023, reflecting both higher volumes and rising prices. Fertilizer imports accounted for 5.2% of Brazil’s total external purchases in the period, up from 4.9% the previous year.

The expectation is that the second half of the year will maintain a brisk pace, a period that traditionally sees higher domestic demand. Datagro forecasts that 2025 is on track to set a new record, in both volume and value, and that the terms of trade may worsen for producers, especially those who delayed purchases. Even so, the consultancy observes that buying activity is likely to continue, since the productivity loss from a lack of inputs would have a greater impact than the rise in costs.

Source: Globo Rural

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