Navigating a Changing Fertiliser Market – Planning Ahead

By Craig Adams, General Manager, Superior Minerals

Spring is one of the most important times of the year for our farming clients, and ensuring access to the right fertiliser products, at competitive prices and when they're needed, remains a key priority for our team at Superior.

Over recent months, global fertiliser markets have continued to experience considerable uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, international shipping disruptions, changing export policies and fluctuating raw material costs have all contributed to a challenging environment for fertiliser suppliers and farmers alike.

While there have been some welcome reductions in fertiliser prices recently, the underlying global market remains volatile.

What's happening in the global market?

Several factors continue to influence fertiliser pricing and availability in New Zealand.

- Nitrogen prices: Increased urea exports from China have helped ease international nitrogen prices, with some of these reductions now being reflected in the New Zealand market. However, energy costs and global supply disruptions continue to create uncertainty.

- Phosphate supply: Global phosphate markets remain under pressure, particularly due to restrictions on Chinese exports of DAP and MAP. This has limited international supply and maintained pressure on prices.

- Sulphur costs: Sulphur has been one of the most significantly affected commodities. Disruptions to Middle Eastern supply have driven prices sharply higher, affecting the cost of producing phosphate fertilisers and other sulphur-based products.

- International shipping: Freight costs, shipping delays and disruptions to established trade routes continue to present challenges for importers. These factors can affect both the landed cost of fertiliser and the reliability of delivery schedules and we have not been immune to these challenges.

Recent market reporting suggests that volatility is likely to remain a feature of the fertiliser market into 2027.

Superior's approach – planning to protect supply

Against this backdrop, we want to reassure our clients that Superior has taken a proactive and strategic approach to purchasing fertiliser over recent months.

Rather than relying solely on short-term purchasing, we have worked closely with our international suppliers and freight partners to secure product ahead of peak demend times.

Our purchasing decisions have focused on maintaining sufficient stock and incoming supply to meet our clients' anticipated spring requirements, while managing exposure to changing international prices and shipping conditions.

This forward planning puts us in a strong position to support our clients throughout the spring season.

Although no importer can completely eliminate the risks associated with international supply chains, we are confident that the steps we have taken provide the best level of supply security for our clients.

Looking ahead

We expect international fertiliser markets to remain unpredictable over the coming months. While some products may benefit from easing global prices, others will continue to face pressure from raw material costs and supply constraints.

Our team will continue to monitor these developments closely, maintain strong relationships with our suppliers and make purchasing decisions that support both product availability and competitive pricing.

For our clients, our message is simple: we have planned ahead, invested in securing supply and are well positioned to support your fertiliser requirements.

We encourage you to stay in contact with your Superior fertiliser advisor to discuss your upcoming needs, review your nutrient programme and plan applications around seasonal conditions.

At Superior, we're proud to be a locally owned and operated business, built on strong relationships with the farming communities we serve.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in our team.

Craig Adams General Manager Superior Minerals Ltd