Global fertilizer shortage reshaping trade and boosting imports from Morocco

The global fertilizer market is experiencing significant disruption due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have caused major supply chain imbalances and sharp price increases, threatening agricultural production and food security, particularly in several emerging economies, while Morocco has emerged as a key player in the global phosphate fertilizer supply chain.
This situation is linked to the concentration of key fertilizer production inputs in the Gulf region, combined with disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for a significant share of global nitrogen fertilizer shipments, leading to reduced supply and higher costs.
The crisis has deepened following the shutdown of several industrial facilities in Gulf producing countries due to developments affecting production capacity, as well as reductions in exports by major supplier countries.
In addition, export restrictions maintained by China to protect its domestic market have further tightened global supply and driven prices to higher levels.
In this context, Morocco has emerged as a reliable alternative due to its vast phosphate reserves and its geographical position away from conflict zones, enabling it to expand exports to the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.
International research centers highlight Morocco’s growing role in securing global supply chains, particularly after phosphate and potash were classified as strategic minerals in several major economies.
This trend has translated into long-term agreements for the import of large volumes of Moroccan phosphate fertilizers.
However, Morocco’s fertilizer industry still partially depends on imports of key raw materials such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Morocco is investing heavily in green hydrogen and green ammonia projects to reduce this dependence and ensure long-term supply stability.
In this context, several agricultural organizations have called for a review of certain tariffs on Moroccan fertilizers to ensure stability in global supply chains.