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Global fertilizer market on edge as Strait of Hormuz closure puts sulfur supply and phosphate production at risk

An economist with the Fertilizer Institute says half of global sulfur exports need to move through the Strait of Hormuz and its closure could have long-term impacts on the fertilizer industry.

Veronica Nigh tells Brownfield, “When we think about those ammonium sulfate products, or if you’re putting on elemental sulfur, that’s going to be a pretty big challenge as we look at 2026, and certainly when we think about production of MAP and DAP globally and domestically.”

She says those phosphate fertilizers cannot be produced without sulfur or sulfuric acid.

“That’s something that is really in peril right now as we’re looking at this dispute and as we move into the future,” she shares.

Nigh says sulfur prices tripled in 2025, and Iran’s closure of the trade route is only going to escalate markets.