Sharp drop in EU fertiliser imports to shore up prices

EU fertiliser import volumes dropped dramatically in January 2026 following the introduction the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (Cbam) across the bloc.

Figures published by the EU Commission show that less than 200,000t of nitrogen fertiliser products were imported during the month, an 80% fall on year-earlier levels.

Fertiliser traders and farming groups had previously cautioned that the implementation of Cbam was likely to disrupt supply flows and increase costs for farmers, and that risk now appears to be materialising.

See also: Fertiliser prices start to rise amid supply disruption

Farming lobby group Copa-Cogeca said this reduction in imports posed a “direct threat to the stability of agricultural production across the EU.”

It estimated that nitrogen fertilisers accounted for roughly 46% of total EU fertiliser consumption, with more than 30% of this volume typically imported.

Fertiliser markets

The tightening of supplies has led to prices starting to creep up both across the EU and in the UK.

Copa-Cogeca calculated fertiliser prices were 25% higher in January 2026 than the 2024 average.

It added: “Considering that fertilisers account for 15% to 30% of farmers’ input costs on average, and that the arable crops sector is already under severe pressure, with negative margins recorded for the third consecutive year, this situation could quickly become the tipping point in many member states.”

Stock levels in the EU are also reportedly concerning, with Copa-Cogeca forecasting that current stocks cover less than half of farmers’ fertiliser needs for this year’s harvest.

Fertiliser prices collected by the AHDB put imported ammonium nitrate at £399/t in January, up £47/t on year-earlier levels.

Meanwhile granular urea had risen £18/t on the year to average £427/t.

Agricultural merchants have suggested that supplies are already tight in the UK, with limited availability of some products, and say the situation may worsen into the spring as a result of delayed shipments and increased interest from growers.