Fertilizer imports to grow 10,9% in 2024

Fertilizer imports reached 4,6 million tons in September 2024, 17,9% higher than the same period in the previous year, driven by the rise in soybean and cotton prices, in addition to the depreciation of the dollar. The accumulated volume from January to September reached 31,81 million tons, representing an increase of 10,9% compared to the same period in 2023, being the highest record for September in the historical series.

The intensification of the conflict in the Middle East has influenced the pace of purchases. Given this scenario, experts recommend that farmers anticipate their purchases to avoid possible supply problems and sudden increases in fertilizer prices. The analysis is included in the Logistics Bulletin of the National Supply Company (Conab).

The bulletin also shows that corn exports in September reached 6,42 million tons, compared to 6,06 million observed last month, an increase of 5,9%, driven by the high stocks of the cereal in the hands of companies and the need to open spaces for the reception of the new harvest.

Regarding soybean exports in September, these reached 6,11 million tons against 8,04 million in the previous month, a decrease of 24%. This represents a movement of monthly declines, in a market that has shown fluctuations, influenced by factors related to the increase in world supply and the exchange rate.

freight 

In Bahia, last month, the transportation of grains and fertilizers varied according to the producing region, with an increase in the Irecê market, a decrease in the Barreiras market and stability and subsequent decrease in the Paripiranga market. In the domestic market, weak corn sales were observed, with stable prices recorded, in the range of R$55,00/bag.

In the Federal District, compared to the previous month, freight rates in September registered positive variations in the locations of Guarujá in São Paulo, Imbituba in Santa Catarina and Paranaguá in Paraná, with increases of 2%, 1% and 2%, respectively. The other routes showed declines, with emphasis on Uberaba in Minas Gerais, which reduced by 2%.

In Mato Grosso, the freight market remained close to stability in September. In all cases, with very moderate variations, in line with the scenario observed in the previous month. The situation continues with the same fundamentals recorded for soybean and corn commodities, influencing the intensity of the flow of goods and road freight. In general, the sale of soybeans and corn remains delayed and at a relatively slow pace, although prices have been gradually rising and offering some business windows. It is important to highlight that there is still a lot of corn to be shipped, which should keep road freight with some support in the coming months.

Finally, in Minas Gerais, shipments of grains and seeds during September were considered above what was expected for the period of the year. There was demand for the transportation of soybeans and corn to Paranaguá and Vitória, from where there was good movement of return freight transporting fertilizers. Agribusiness exports in Minas Gerais reached a historic milestone in the first eight months of 2024, recording the best performance since 1997, the beginning of the historical series. With a 15% growth in revenue and 14% in the volume exported compared to the previous year, the sector reached US$ 11,1 billion and 12,4 million tons shipped.