Urea Prices

Urea Price Trend and Forecast

Track the latest insights on urea price trend and forecast with detailed analysis of regional fluctuations and market dynamics across Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

Urea Prices Q1 2025

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea prices in the USA reached 382 USD/MT in March. As per the urea price chart, prices trended higher supported by firm agricultural demand and supply disruptions caused by freezing weather. Key producers declared force majeures, affecting domestic availability. Despite ammonia price volatility, strong pre-planting buying for crops like sorghum kept prices firm. However, shifting weather patterns and delays in planting led to more measured procurement by late quarter, as global supply constraints and tariff rumors added layers of uncertainty.

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea prices in China reached 253 USD/MT in March. The market fluctuated as early softness stemmed from resumed operations post-maintenance and sluggish downstream demand, which led to oversupply. However, restocking activity gained momentum by March, with rising interest in downstream products. Overall market mood shifted from bearish to cautiously optimistic, although exports faced headwinds and local demand patterns remained uneven.

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea prices in Russia reached 345 USD/MT in March. Russia's urea trade remained under pressure. Supply was essentially constant, while demand encountered headwinds from seasonal lethargy and delayed agricultural activity. Shifting geopolitical dynamics had an impact on export flows, with European purchasers overcoming complicated regulatory hurdles in the wake of planned fertilizer tariffs.

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea prices in Saudi Arabia reached 362 USD/MT in March. Saudi Arabia's market mirrored worldwide trends, with high international demand driving up export prices early on. Expectations of massive Indian tenders reinforced the positive sentiment. As the quarter proceeded, weak demand from key importers and falling feedstock Ammonia costs contributed to a cooling trend.

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea prices in Egypt reached 411 USD/MT in March. Urea prices in Egypt rose moderately, owing primarily to constrained worldwide availability and strong export demand. However, when international markets weakened owing to weather-related delays and dropping feedstock prices, Egyptian exporters experienced slower overseas inquiries. Domestic fertilizer consumption was stable, however, not enough to compensate for lost momentum abroad.

Urea Prices Q4 2024

During the last quarter of 2024, the urea prices in the United States reached 361 USD/MT in December. The market across the country demonstrated a stable equilibrium between supply constraints and industrial demand. After a little increase in October, prices leveled out as reduced agricultural purchasing offset varying feedstock costs. Consistent industrial demand in mining and explosives helped to maintain market resilience despite production difficulties brought on by weather disruptions and logistical obstacles along important waterways. In general, the time frame represented stable market conditions in the United States.

In the last quarter of 2024, urea prices in Japan remained mostly stable with minor fluctuations. The quarter ended with urea priced at 352 USD/MT in December. Due to supply chain challenges and fluctuating demand, the urea market in Japan saw significant swings in Q4 2024. In the face of agricultural slowdowns, domestic industrial demand supported the market, while harsh weather and port congestion led to output setbacks. A difficult balance between a restricted supply and growing feedstock costs resulted in buyers becoming cautious and waiting for more favorable price periods. All things considered, Japan handled a difficult quarter with measured fortitude and wise market tactics.

During the last quarter of 2024, urea pricing in Russia saw fluctuations. The quarter ended with urea priced at 333 USD/MT in December. Supply disruptions and cautious demand interacted dynamically in the market across the nation. While industrial sectors maintained stable demand, production, and distribution were hindered by unpredictable weather and logistical challenges. Despite variations in feedstock prices, the overall effect was mitigated by weak agricultural demand. Customers took a wait-and-see stance, hoping for lower prices in the future, which highlighted the market's precarious equilibrium between limited supply and slow domestic adoption.

During the last quarter of 2024, urea pricing in Saudi Arabia saw fluctuations. The quarter ended with urea priced at 348 USD/MT in December. In Saudi Arabia, the market in Q4 2024 was shaped by variable supply conditions and dynamic export activity. Production disruptions from maintenance and logistical issues, combined with fluctuating freight costs, generated early quarter price pressures. Despite these challenges, steady international demand cushioned the market. As purchasing momentum slackened towards the quarter's end, the market in Saudi Arabia adjusted, reflecting robust industrial demand and effective inventory management.

Urea Prices Q4 2023

The price trend of urea in USA was 470 USD/MT. In the fourth quarter of 2023, U.S., urea witnessed a decline in prices mainly due to a combination of moderate demand and logistical problems. Water shortages triggered a cautious approach towards buying a product which eventually led to a bottleneck in the main shipping lanes and this led to big delays and increased inventory levels. In the light of the sound home fertilizer market, and the complications of forwarding and rerouting the exports based on the security issues, the conditions for the probable excess are created.

The price trend of urea in China was 350 USD/MT. In the fourth quarter of 2023, a complex price pattern was observed, where in the beginning the price decline related to oversupply and weak demand. The main factor that lead to this surplus was the halt in fertilizer exports. On the other hand, the prices rose in the course of time since the production costs increased on account of the growing feedstock prices. Also, logistical hurdles such as high freight charges because of rerouted shipping lanes in order to calm down security concerns, impacted the price trend as well. While the fluctuations from time to time, the demand within the substantial China’s fertilizer industry was not so strong after the peak season of planting.

The price trend of urea in Europe was 410 USD/MT. The urea market in Europe saw a mixed price performance in the last quarter of 2023, initially a sharp increase as shortage in supply arises from production cutbacks and shut-down of production facilities by major players. This bullish trend was however short-lived as the prices later experienced a downward trend, this was caused by the low demand within the European market and exacerbated by trade uncertainties. The bad weather added to the downward trend in purchasing behaviors amid low expectations of demand for the upcoming planting season.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the urea market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the urea price trend.

Global Urea Price Trend

The report offers a holistic view of the global urea pricing trends in the form of urea price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights current price of urea but also provides insights into historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed urea demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Urea Price Trend

Q1 2025:

As per the urea price index, urea prices rose steadily, owing to supply difficulties and preparation for spring agriculture. Early-quarter consumption was slow due to hard cold spells but hiked in February and March as buyers refilled supplies. Producers, such as SKW Piesteritz, had operational challenges, while worker unrest and port concerns limited supplies. Demand from outside Europe, particularly Latin America, contributed to increased pricing pressure.

Q4 2024:

Weak agricultural demand and abundant supply caused a downward trend in European urea prices in Q4 2024. Ample stock levels restrained price increases despite rising ammonia cost of feedstock and supply interruptions, such as the halt of a Norwegian gas platform. Due to major European suppliers' shipment delays and logistical constraints, prices in the UK skyrocketed in December. However, due to weather variations that impact agriculture demand, overall buyer engagement remained uneven.

Q4 2023:

The European urea market, at some point, was a mixture of price rise and decline. Primarily, buyers would use bio-chemical fertilizers with cut back production in various companies. Such trends were upwards due to a dynamic global economy then fell back as demand cooled and exporters’ uncertainty conditions prevailed. The negative weather conditions and logistical constraints including the need to evade security risks were amongst the factors that put more port vessels and goods on the waters and in stock, consequently balancing out demand and supply more closely in the western region.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed urea price information for a comprehensive list of countries. 

North America Urea Price Trend

Q1 2025:

Urea prices in the United States rose, supported by seasonal agricultural demand and tight domestic supplies. Unexpected production slowdowns caused by difficult winter circumstances, as well as force majeure notifications from significant players, exacerbated the strain. Limited freight movement further reduced availability. Farmers boosted purchases in anticipation of spring sowing, particularly for crops such as sorghum. However, shifting weather patterns and uncertainties about planting timetables prompted a more cautious approach later in the quarter. The market also responded to lower global output and continuing tariff negotiations.

Q4 2024:

The market in North America saw erratic price swings in Q4 2024, with a minor increase in October and steadiness in November and December. Despite differences in the price of ammonia and nitric acid, there were no significant price changes. This was mostly because the agricultural sector's seasonal demand was low as planting operations decreased. However, industrial use, especially in explosives and mining, stayed constant, avoiding large market declines. Due to logistical problems that affected manufacturing and imports, such as bad weather, labor strikes in Canada, and low water levels in the Mississippi River, supply constraints were apparent.

Q4 2023:

The North American urea market suffered a decline mainly due to multiple factors of which included subdued demand because of the El-Nino related drought concerns that led to the scarcity in purchasing of the product. Supply chain imbalances from shipping bottlenecks in critical straits were one of the major contributing factors to delivery delays and increasing inventory levels. In addition to supporting the fertilizer market in the domestic arena, logistical problems and the search for alternative trade routes could end up with too much supply of goods, thus putting downward pressure on prices.

Specific urea historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Urea Price Trend

Q1 2025:

As per the urea price chart, the market in the Middle East and Africa experienced price oscillations caused by global and regional variables. High demand for Middle Eastern products, combined with a significant Indian tender, fueled a bullish mood early in the quarter. Meanwhile, supply difficulties in the United States constrained global flows. However, by March, lowering ammonia costs had driven output cuts in several places.

Q4 2024:

In Q4 2024, the Middle Eastern urea market saw notable price volatility, with early-quarter spikes followed by stabilization. Price increases were bolstered by rising freight costs, less imports, and stable downstream consumption. Major producer’s scheduled and unforeseen maintenance, especially at Ma'aden, severely reduced export quantities and market availability. Forecasts for regional output were revised downward as a result of these supply disruptions. Exports remained stable due to demand from important importing countries, particularly India.

Q4 2023:

In the Middle East and Africa region, the urea market exhibited a beginning uptrend in the first half of 2020 when international supply shortages occurred, notably after a major producer imposed restrictions on fertilizer exports. On the other hand, the situation turned unfavorably because of plant issues, supply restrictions, and decreased need in the main clients as the planting season ended. Adverse weather, as well as trade uncertainties including the need to avoid security risks, have led to the use of alternative routes for transportation, throwing the supply-demand balance off track.

In addition to region-wise data, information on urea prices for countries can also be provided. 

Asia Pacific Urea Price Trend

Q1 2025:

During the first quarter of 2025, the urea market in Asia experienced price volatility, with China exhibiting the most obvious fluctuations. Early-quarter prices fell when manufacturing resumed after planned maintenance, rising domestic availability. However, demand lagged, particularly in the fertilizer and chemical sectors, resulting in inventory build-up. Prices began to rise again near the end of the quarter as restocking increased and demand for UAN and other derivatives climbed ahead of spring usage. In contrast, import-dependent countries such as Japan experienced regular price declines, boosted by dropping freight charges, which helped to reduce import-related expenses throughout the era.

Q4 2024:

The latter quarter of 2024 saw significant volatility in the Asia-Pacific urea market. Due to increased international demand, especially from India, prices skyrocketed in the first few months, placing pressure on local supply systems. Market tightness was made worse in China by extreme port congestion in important centers as well as by high freight costs and a lot of rain. Typhoons in Japan and China, among other extreme weather events, caused production bottlenecks throughout the area, prompting some firms to declare force majeure.

Q4 2023:

In the Asia-Pacific urea market, initially prices dropped because the surplus was high and demand was low. This, moreover, was compounded by interrupted exportations of fertilizers from a major supplier, which in turn caused market slack. On the other hand, feedstock price hike pushed production costs up, and this subsequently caused the price to fall. These challenges such as shipping reroutings because of security threats also affected the market, which was generally at low demand from the fertilizer industry after the planting season.

This urea price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Urea Price Trend

Q1 2025:

Latin America's urea market is predominantly influenced by its rich natural reserves, particularly in countries like Chile and Brazil. However, political instability and inconsistent regulatory frameworks can lead to significant volatility in urea prices. Infrastructure challenges and logistical inefficiencies often impact the supply chain, affecting the region's ability to meet international demand consistently. Moreover, the urea price index, economic fluctuations, and currency devaluation are critical factors that need to be considered when analyzing urea pricing trends in this region.

Q4 2024:

Due to increasing demand and tightening supply, the Latin America market, especially in Brazil, saw significant price hikes in Q4 2024. Favorable weather conditions led to rising fertilizer purchases before planting seasons. However, as a result of decreased North American exports, particularly from Canada, and logistical problems, supply restrictions become more severe. Higher import prices were also a result of rising prices for natural gas and ammonia, two important urea feedstocks.

Q4 2023:

In Latin America, the urea market faced challenges during Q4 2023, particularly in Brazil where the market trends were predominantly bearish. Although the planting season was active for soybeans rice, and sorghum, urea demand, essential for fertilization, remained low. This was primarily due to the extreme weather impacting the region. Northern Brazil suffered from intense heat and dryness, adversely affecting crop viability, while the southern areas experienced initially cool, then slightly warmer conditions. This weather disparity, driven by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, expected to persist into early 2024, curtailed purchasing enthusiasm among fertilizer buyers. However, urea imports, mainly from the USA, continued smoothly without any logistical disruptions, maintaining a stable supply. This convergence of demand and supply dynamics has led to a continued downward trend in urea prices across the region.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region. 

Urea Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News 

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Urea Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of urea pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of urea at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of urea price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing urea price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Urea Industry Analysis

The global urea market size reached USD 52.7 Billion in 2024. By 2033, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 60.2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 1.50% during 2025-2033.

• The growing global requirement for food is emphasizing on the production of high-efficiency fertilizers, including urea, to improve crop yield. According to the World Economic Forum, around half of the world population today is reliant on food produced by mineral fertilizers. Moreover, the expansion of biofuel production, demanding large quantities of nitrogen-based fertilizers for growing feedstock, is propelling the market growth. In addition to this, improvements in manufacturing processes are resulting in higher yields and lower costs of urea production. Precision farming techniques are also becoming more favorable due to the use of the right dosage of fertilizers to ensure maximum productivity of agricultural land. Apart from this, policies of the government and subsidies in different countries that are aimed at supporting agricultural sectors facilitate the usage of efficient fertilizers, thereby supporting market growth. For instance, the Government of India (GoI) made climate change a leading issue within their environmental policies, pledging to have zero net carbon emission by the year 2070 and setting a target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy generation capacity by 2030. Innovation of advanced urea formulations, including slow-release urea and stabilized urea, to minimize the environmental effects and improve nitrogen utilization, is contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, urea’s application extends beyond agriculture to industrial uses, pharmaceuticals, and diesel exhaust fluid, thus boosting its market growth. According to the World Bank, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries together generated USD 4.17 Trillion of economic output in 2021, which was higher than USD 3.72 Trillion a year earlier. The focus of this approach is on sustainable agriculture practices that involve a proper mix of chemical fertilizers and organic inputs. Continuous investment in agricultural, infrastructural development, and supply chain improvements, as availability and accessibility of urea in remote farms, is leading the market toward growth across the globe.

Urea News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global urea industry, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in urea production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the urea price trend.

Latest developments in the urea industry:

• June 2022: PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, also known as Pupuk Kaltim, declared they were considering a project to establish a factory in West Papua's Bintuni Bay, Indonesia, that can convert natural gas into urea, ammonia, and methanol. 
• May 2022: IFFCO, the Indian Farmers' Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, a member-owned cooperative based in India, announced its business expansion by installing the first IFFCO nano urea (liquid) production unit in Kalol, Gujarat, India. The expansion was done with an investment of INR 175 Crore, equivalent to USD 21.52 Million.

Product Description

Urea being the white crystalline material and having the chemical formula CO(NH2)2 is considered to be the most essential nitrogenous fertilizer in the global market due to its high nitrogen content - 46%. Developed under high pressure and temperature with the key ingredients being carbon dioxide and ammonia, urea is unique for its versatility and solubility in water, hence easy adaptability to different soil types. This feature also enables it to deliver nutrients to crops, making it a popular pick among farmers. Beyond agriculture, urea has a place in a number of industries' applications. It plays an important part in the manufacturing process of urea-formaldehyde resins, which are very widely used as adhesives, plywoods and composites. Moreover, urea is incorporated into the pharmaceutical industry, in skin care products as a moisturizer and as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the automotive industry for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of urea pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting urea price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The urea price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.