According to data published by the Brazilian National Supply Company (CONAB) in its logistics report, Brazil’s imports of fertilizers reached a record high in the month of February/January. The volume of imports reached 2.77 million tons compared to 2.41 million tons in the same month of 2023. This represents a 15% growth in imports.
The National Supply Company explains that this increase happened in response to adverse weather changes, which led to the postponement of buying fertilizers and raw materials that were supposed to be purchased in 2023, such as those for soybean cultivation and the second corn crop, until the beginning of this year. The volume of imports is the highest in the past five years.
The National Supply Company indicates that the expectations for the period 2023-2024 are now posing significant challenges due to a decrease in the grain production cycle caused by various climatic events in Brazil. This was characterized by a drought in the western central region with increased temperatures, accompanied by heavy rains in the southern region, which affected the cultivation and development of crops related to harvesting or the national second crop.
The purchase of raw materials, including phosphates and potassium, which have witnessed large volumes and attractive prices that usually occur during this period, has had an impact on the production of the first month of the year. The National Supply Company also states that the expectations of the National Fertilizer Distribution Agency (ANDA) indicate an increase in fertilizer stocks transferred in Brazil from 2023 to 2024.
According to the National Supply Company, one million tons of total imported fertilizers reached the Brazilian market last month through the port of Paranagua in the state of Parana, 0.31 million tons through the port of Arco Norte in the northern region of Brazil, and 0.8 million tons through the port of Santos on the coast of the state of Sao Paulo. Both the Paranagua and Santos ports witnessed an increase in the volume of imports, while the Arco Norte port saw a decrease in imports.
