Fertilizer imports rise in 2025

Fertilizer imports are booming in Brazil in 2025. According to StoneX, a global financial services company, the volumes purchased between January and July of this year are significantly higher than those recorded in the same period in 2024. Purchases of phosphates—including MAP, SSP, TSP, and NP—are almost 20% higher, while nitrogenous fertilizers—urea, SAM, and NAM—rose 12%.

According to the consultancy's report, increased demand for less concentrated fertilizers is likely to sustain the high pace of Brazilian imports throughout 2025. Because these products contain lower amounts of nutrients per ton, their use requires larger volumes to meet the per-hectare recommendations. This factor helps explain the significant growth in foreign purchases observed so far.

According to StoneX Market Intelligence analyst Tomás Pernías, this movement reinforces Brazil's position as one of the largest global fertilizer importers and a strategic destination for international exporters. However, a closer look at trade flows reveals significant changes in the profile of Brazilian imports this year.

Change in phosphate mix

Between January and July 2025, Brazil imported 2,1 million tons of MAP, a volume 7,6% lower than in 2024. In contrast, SSP increased by 19%, while NP increased by around 60% compared to the same period last year.

"This scenario is directly linked to international market conditions. The global supply of high-concentration phosphates, such as MAP and DAP, remains restricted. China has maintained export restrictions, and strong demand from India has increased upward pressure, resulting in high prices and the worst terms of trade in recent years," explains Pernías.

In the Brazilian market, the combination of firm prices and unattractive exchange rates for corn and soybeans led importers to seek more economically attractive alternatives, such as fertilizers with a lower concentration of phosphorus, such as SSP, which at certain times offered better value for money.

"In other words, given this scenario, Brazilian demand has shifted toward products capable of meeting farmers' needs, circumventing the high prices and limited supply of high-concentration phosphates," the analyst highlights.

According to the survey, between January and July 2025, urea purchases totaled 3 million tons, a volume approximately 15% lower than in 2024. Imports of ammonium sulfate, a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen concentration, often used to complement or replace urea, increased by almost 70% compared to last year.