The global market for compound NPKs is one of the most important and dynamic markets in the fertilizer sector, yet it is also one of the hardest to track and difficult to get good data on. Argus have a dedicated global team of NPK experts tracking the market every day, employing rigorous and robust methodology. Our subscribers stay one step ahead, benefiting from the most reliable and extensive price assessments, up-to-date market news and developments, analysis of market dynamics and forecasts, proprietary data and unique, actionable insights into the market.
Argus estimates that around 20pc of a total market of over 100mn t is traded between countries. This traded volume is growing relatively quickly, with an increasing number of fertilizer producers entering the market or expanding their supply base to meet demand from a rising number of buyers. Growth from consumers is well founded on fundamentals. Farmers are under ever-increasing pressure to improve their yields and crop quality, and to use fertilizers efficiently, not only to manage costs but to limit potential environmental losses.
As mentioned, following NPK trends is complex. Greater agricultural sophistication is bringing an increasing variety of grades to the market. Producers are also striving to move from commodity grades, such as 15-15-15, to more specific formulations to increase nutrient-use efficiency and capture market share. Often these advanced grades will be tailored to specific customer needs and may include micronutrients or organic matter, and more steam-granulation units are appearing, even from producers with large chemical NPK production assets.
The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen major shifts in trade flows, given Russia’s significant compound-NPK capacity, and Russian-origin product has long been seen as a benchmark for high-quality NPKs. Russian exports have been seen shifting from Europe to India, and this is reflected in NPK & NPS grades and trade.
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