Associated Press (AP) spoke with IFPRI research fellow emeritus Joseph Glauber for a report highlighting how the ongoing Iran war and the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz are sharply restricting global fertilizer supplies, raising concerns about food security — particularly for smallholder farmers in developing countries.
The fertilizer shortage comes at a critical moment as planting seasons begin across the Northern Hemisphere. Nitrogen fertilizers, including urea, are among the most affected, with about 30% of global urea trade disrupted. Countries in Africa and Asia that depend heavily on Gulf suppliers are already experiencing delays and shortages.
“Fertilizer prices are below the peaks seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but grain prices were higher then, helping farmers absorb the costs, said Joseph Glauber of the International Food Policy Research Institute. Grain prices are lower now meaning margins are tighter and farmers may have to switch to less fertilizer-intensive crops — such as soybeans in the U.S. — or apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. Lower yields can lead to higher consumer prices.”
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