image sourced from original article at Farmers across the United States are bracing for sharply higher fertilizer costs following the war in Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and slowed exports from the Persian Gulf. Tennessee farmer Todd Littleton expects to pay 100,000 dollars more this season, a 40 percent increase, as nitrogen fertilizer prices surge. Many growers, already strained by years of weak crop prices and rising expenses, say the added burden comes at a critical time.
About 15 percent of fertilizer imports to the United States come from the Middle East, and the region supplies roughly half of the world’s urea and nearly a third of its ammonia. Shipping disruptions and higher energy prices have tightened supplies, leaving some farmers worried they may not be able to secure fertilizer at any price if they did not preorder. Industry leaders warn that existing stockpiles may not be enough to meet demand in the coming months.
While some fertilizer is produced domestically, higher fuel and energy costs are pushing up prices across the board. Economists say the conflict’s effects could linger even if tensions ease, as global supply chains take time to recover. Although rising input costs are squeezing farm profits, experts say grocery store prices are unlikely to see major increases because farm expenses make up only a small share of retail food costs.
