How badly is Europe affected by fertiliser shortages due to the Iran war?
Summary
European Union agriculture ministers are meeting to discuss fertiliser shortages caused by disruptions in global supply linked to the war involving Iran. The European Commission has introduced a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers facing higher fertiliser costs and to reduce Europe’s dependence on food imports.Key Facts
- The EU imports large amounts of fertiliser including ammonia, urea, and nitrogen mixtures.
- The war near Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for fertiliser trade.
- The Middle East only accounts for a small part of the EU’s fertiliser imports, so direct supply impact is limited.
- Higher gas prices caused by conflicts have made producing fertiliser inside Europe more expensive.
- Nitrogen fertiliser prices in Europe are about 70% higher than the 2024 average.
- The EU’s Fertiliser Action Plan includes financial aid for farmers and measures to increase imports from countries other than Russia and Belarus.
- The plan also promotes alternatives to synthetic fertilisers and more efficient fertiliser use.
- The EU has suspended tariffs on some nitrogen fertilisers from non-Russian and non-Belarusian countries to reduce costs.
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