How badly is Europe affected by fertiliser shortages due to the Iran war?

European agriculture ministers meet in Brussels to address fertiliser availability as global supply chains face disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East. The European Commission proposes a Fertiliser Action Plan to help farmers facing higher fertiliser costs. Measures include possible fertiliser stockpiles, emergency support for farmers, and steps to increase imports from countries other than Russia and Belarus. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens a major shipping route that carries about one-third of the world’s seaborne fertiliser trade, raising concerns about fuel and fertiliser price increases. The EU imports large volumes of ammonia, urea, and nitrogen fertilisers, while domestic nitrogen production depends on imported gas, which becomes more expensive when Gulf conflicts raise gas prices.

"The plan includes possible fertiliser stockpiles, emergency support for farmers and measures to increase imports from countries other than Russia and Belarus, which are involved in the war with Ukraine. It comes amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the US-Israel war on Iran. The vital shipping route normally carries about one-third of the world's seaborne fertiliser trade, raising fears that rising fuel and fertiliser costs could place further pressure on farmers already struggling with high expenses."

"Europe imports large volumes of fertiliser, bringing in two million tonnes of ammonia, 5.8 million tonnes of urea and 6.7 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilisers and mixtures in 2024, according to EU data. The EU also produces its own nitrogen fertiliser, but this depends heavily on imported gas. When conflicts in the Gulf region pushes up gas prices, it also makes fertiliser made inside Europe more expensive."

"While the EU is less directly impacted by fertiliser shortages than some other parts of the world, disruptions to supplies have exposed divisions within the bloc about how to protect food supplies and shield farmers from rising costs. The blockade has raised concerns over global food security, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where countries are more dependent on Gulf supplies."

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