Brazil faces fertilizer import risks and rising costs

Brazil faces significant risks due to its heavy reliance on imported fertilizers, importing 93% of its total consumption. According to data from the Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (Conab), 45.5 million tons were imported in 2025.

Recent trends highlight increasing vulnerability. Between January and May 2026, imports of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers fell by 8.7%, dropping from 7.69 million to 7.02 million tons. However, the average internalization price rose by 14.4%, resulting in a 4.4% increase in total expenditure despite the lower volume.

Beyond international pricing, geopolitical conflicts, trade restrictions, and logistical bottlenecks—including transport, storage, and distribution—impact production costs and farmer profitability. Efficient management requires ensuring fertilizers are available at the correct time and cost to prevent compromised crop planning.