Phosphates
Overview
The global phosphates market has witnessed increasing volatility, in response to military conflicts, political tensions and changing market dynamics. Price fluctuations have continued to buffet the market, with increasing demand from south and Southeast Asia the main regions driving consumption growth. Rising raw material prices and improved affordability have lifted prices once again.
Phosphates' usage is also not solely limited to fertilizers. Battery-material suppliers are increasingly seeking to source phosphate rock and specialty phosphates-based products to meet the rapidly rising demand for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries for electric vehicle production.
Our extensive phosphates coverage includes DAP, MAP, TSP and SSP, as well as raw materials phosphate rock and phosphoric acid, with assessments also spanning feed products MCP and DCP. Argus has many decades of experience covering the phosphates market and incorporate our multi-commodity market expertise in key areas including sulphur and ammonia to provide the full market narrative.
Argus support market participants with:
- Daily and weekly phosphates price assessments, proprietary data and market commentary
- Short and medium to long-term forecasting, modelling and analysis of processed phosphate and phosphate rock prices, supply, demand, trade and projects
- Bespoke consulting project support
Latest phosphate news
Browse the latest market moving news on the global phosphate industry.
Weak monsoon may curb Thailand's fertilizer demand
Weak monsoon may curb Thailand's fertilizer demand
Singapore, 16 April (Argus) — Thailand is expected to receive lower-than-normal rainfall in the upcoming southwest monsoon season starting in May, which could slow paddy planting and reduce fertilizer offtake. The main fertilizer application season, mainly for paddy planting, runs over May-October and depends on monsoon rains because paddy cultivation requires a large amount of water throughout the growing period. Rainfall across most of Thailand over April-June could be about 10pc below normal, according to the Thai Meteorological Agency. In the northeastern and central regions, where most of the paddy is planted, rainfall is forecast at 380-480mm compared with the normal 474mm in the northeast, and 270-370mm compared 352mm in the central region. Rainfall will likely be above normal in April, but below normal in May and June. Fertilizer suppliers are also concerned about growers' affordability, given that rice export prices have fallen year on the year , likely reducing farmers' cash flow for purchasing inputs. The ongoing US-Iran war has also tightened urea and phosphate supply, pushing delivered prices to Thailand sharply higher in recent weeks. This will further erode growers' ability to afford fertilizers, traders said. Thailand's department of internal trade has launched a subsidy programme, Green Flag Fertilizer Plus, to ease the impact of high fertilizer costs and falling rice prices. But the initiative will likely do little to boost planting and fertilizer offtake this season, given expectations of below-normal rainfall levels. By Huijun Yao Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Vietnam's Vinachem buys phosrock at high-$80s/t cfr
Vietnam's Vinachem buys phosrock at high-$80s/t cfr
Singapore, 16 April (Argus) — State-owned fertilizer producer Vinachem has awarded a tender to buy about 25,000t of 27pc P2O5 phosphate rock at prices in the high-$80s/t cfr to a Vietnamese trading firm, according to several traders linked to the tender. The company closed the tender on 15 April after receiving three offers in the $90s/t cfr range. Vinachem initially sought 45,000t of phosphate rock, but reduced the volume in response to firm prices. The cargo is scheduled to load in Egypt in May. Vinachem was unavailable for comment. Vietnam imported phosphate rock only occasionally in the past but increased its imports in 2025 because of declining domestic output and lower ore quality. By Huijun Yao Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Egypt’s NCIC issues tender to sell various fertilizers
Egypt’s NCIC issues tender to sell various fertilizers
London, 15 April (Argus) — Egyptian fertilizer producer NCIC has issued a second tender to sell various fertilizers for loading in April. The tender closes on 20 April. NCIC is offering the following in the tender: 20,000t of DAP — it sold 10,000t of DAP at $840/t fob in its 4 April tender 10,000t of TSP — it sold 10,000t at $618/t fob in its 4 March tender 15,000t of SSP — it sold 25,000t at $375/t fob in its 4 April tender 10,000t of urea — it sold 10,000t at $654/t fob in its 4 March tender. Argus last assessed Egyptian urea at $790-820/t fob for European markets 5,000t of CAN26 — it sold 15,000t at $352/t fob in its 4 March tender 1,000t of water-soluble SOP — it sold 1,200t at $620-630/t fob in its 15 March tender The cargoes are to be priced on a bulk fob basis, apart from the SOP, which will be sold ex-works from NCIC's Fayoum plant in 25kg bags. If the buyer does not load the cargo after 27 days from the issuance of the pro forma invoice, NCIC will cancel the shipment. Offers are to be valid for two weeks from the tender closing date. By Tom Hampson Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
US Mosaic sells 40,000t of DAP for south Asia
US Mosaic sells 40,000t of DAP for south Asia
London, 13 April (Argus) — US phosphates producer Mosaic has reported selling about 40,000t of DAP for loading in early June and for shipment to south Asia. Mosaic estimates a netback from the delivered price of about $840/t fob Tampa. Mosaic did not clarify the exact destination, but India is the most likely within south Asia. If so, the delivered price is likely to be in the high $900s/t cfr or low $910s/t cfr. But no sale to Indian importers at this level has emerged. The latest confirmed DAP sale to an Indian importer was at $865/t cfr. Mosaic also did not confirm if this sale is to a trading firm or importer. So it could be a trading firm taking a long position. By Tom Hampson Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
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