China becomes Brazil’s top fertilizer supplier, triggering record queues in Paranaguá

China has overtaken Russia to become Brazil’s largest supplier of ammonium sulfate (SAM) and NP-based formulations (nitrogen and phosphorus). From January to October 2025, the Asian country shipped 9.76 million tonnes of the input to the Brazilian market, according to data from the November CNA Inputs Bulletin, released this Tuesday (2).

Paranaguá Port faces queues and higher costs
The report shows that a rapid surge in Chinese fertilizer imports over a short period created long ship queues at the Port of Paranaguá (PR) throughout the year, with average unloading wait times of around 60 days.

This accumulation created a significant logistical bottleneck, putting pressure on the port’s operational capacity and increasing costs and demurrage.

Russia remains a strategic supplier
Even after losing its lead to China, Russia remains a strategic fertilizer supplier for Brazil. According to the bulletin, the country shipped 9.72 million tonnes between January and October 2025.

Total fertilizer deliveries in Brazil through August increased by 9% year-over-year, indicating a heated market and strong demand from the agricultural sector.

Possible new record in 2025
The publication indicates that Brazil may reach a new record for fertilizer deliveries in 2025. Rio Grande do Sul is expected to play an essential role in this result due to delays in the state’s purchases, which tend to concentrate more operations during this period.

Price ratios and market conditions
According to CNA, price ratios remain unfavorable between the principal crops and sources of phosphate fertilizers. In the crop protection market, the association observed a price increase concentrated in the fungicides segment, driven by soybean crop management.

Source: Plox Economia

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