United States farmers are facing sharp increases in fertilizer costs following the war in Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and slowed exports from the Arabian Gulf. About 15 percent of fertilizer imports to the United States come from the Middle East, a region that supplies a significant share of the world’s urea and ammonia. The conflict has driven up energy prices and restricted access to key ingredients, pushing fertilizer prices even higher.

Many farmers, already strained by years of low crop prices and rising expenses, say the timing could not be worse. Some report fertilizer bills rising by as much as 40 percent compared with last year, while others fear they may not be able to secure supplies at any price if they did not preorder. Industry leaders warn that stockpiles may not be sufficient to meet spring planting demand.

Experts say prices are unlikely to fall quickly, even if the conflict eases, due to ongoing global supply challenges and the time required to restart shipments. While higher fertilizer and fuel costs are expected to squeeze farm profits, analysts say the impact on grocery store prices should be limited because farm input costs make up a relatively small share of retail food prices.