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Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of fertilizer major Yara International, stated that Europe risks falling behind the US and China due to high energy costs and slow industrial transition. Holsether described the implementation of Mario Draghi’s EU competitiveness report as "alarmingly slow."

Global fertilizer markets closed the first quarter of 2026 under significant pressure, with supply tightening, prices rising sharply, and volatility increasing across key nutrients, according to a new study by RaboResearch.

A rapid and severe disruption in maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz is emerging as a major shock to global agrifood systems, with tanker traffic reportedly dropping by more than 90 percent.

Global fertilizer markets are on edge. With 169 million tonnes traded in 2024, supplies face strain from China’s export cuts, Red Sea bottlenecks, and the EU’s new 100% tariffs on Russian fertilizers.

In 2022, the EU saw a sharp 10.3% reduction in mineral fertilizer use, driven by escalating prices linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Bunge and Zen-Noh Group have agreed to purchase a 50% stake in a grain terminal at the Port of Santos from Brazilian rail operator Rumo for $115 million.