The Top 10 Fertilizer-Producing Countries in the World

Fertilizer is an essential substance for plant growth and crop production worldwide. Without it, many countries would see weakened soil, less food production, and worsening plant growth. Luckily, many countries worldwide produce fertilizer and ship it to others in need. Which leads to the question, what are the top fertilizer-producing countries in the world?

In 2022, the top fertilizing-producing country was Russia, which exported nearly 20.65 billion USD of fertilizer. The second country was Canada, which produced 13.73 billion USD, and the third was China, which produced 11.38 billion USD worth of fertilizer.

Before the previous year, there were plenty of changes in which country produced the most fertilizer. So, let’s look at the top ten fertilizer-producing countries in the world.

#1 Russia – 20.65 Billion USD

The largest fertilizer-producing country in the world is Russia. In 2022, Russia produced nearly 20.65 billion USD worth of fertilizer. Specifically, the nation is known for being the largest producer of potash, phosphate, and nitrogen-containing fertilizers. The highest exported fertilizer was ammonia, which resulted in 17 million metric tons. Then, there were 7.3 million metric tons of potash and 4.4 of phosphate. Russia is one of the biggest producers of fertilizers due to its large land mass, nearly 6,603 million square miles.

The numbers show Russia’s production decreased by 11% as they only produced 23.5 million metric tons. In the previous year, 2021, Russia produced 26.4 million metric tons. This roughly translates into a 32% decrease in potash fertilizer production for 2022 but higher nitrogen and phosphate. Production is down by 2.9 million metric tons from the previous year.

#2 Canada – 13.73 Billion USD

Next behind Russia, Canada is the second largest fertilizer-producing country globally. By the end of 2022, Canada had produced nearly 13.73 billion USD worth of fertilizer. While this number is large, it’s much smaller than Russia by almost 7 billion USD. Canada is the largest potash and elemental sulfur exporter and exports to nearly 75 countries annually. It’s estimated that Canada provides 12% of the world’s fertilizer.

#3 China – 11.38 Billion USD

China produced 11.38 billion USD worth of fertilizer for 2022. Production of nitrogen, phosphate, urea, and potash fertilizers spiked in China in 2015. However, in the past few years, China has decreased production. This has led China to be the third producer instead of the top. Still, China makes up about a third of the global supply of nitrogen-based fertilizer.

#4 United States – 8.47 Billion USD

In 2022, the United States provided at least 8.47 billion USD of fertilizer to other countries. This is mainly because, in 2022, the USDA partnered with farmers to increase innovative domestic fertilizer production. This led to an increase in fertilizer production. The program made more than $500 million available to help aid domestic competition for fertilizer costs. Nearly 350 businesses applied, and due to popularity, the Commodity Credit Corporation provided $400 million in addition to FPEP funding.

#5 Morocco – 7.72 Billion USD

Morocco produced approximately 7.72 billion USD worth of fertilizer for 2022. The country’s phosphate exports grew by 43% by the end of 2022 compared to the previous year. Morocco’s most exported fertilizer is phosphates because it has over 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves within its borders. This led to the country producing 40 million MT of fertilizer.

#6 Saudi Arabia – 6.75 Billion USD

The sixth top fertilizer-producing country in the world is Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Saudi Arabia produced 6.75 billion USD worth of fertilizer. The country is a leader in urea fertilizer worldwide. In addition, ammonia is another of Saudi Arabia’s main fertilizers they export.

#7 Oman – 5 Billion USD

In 2022, Oman, a small country in the Middle East, produced five billion USD worth of fertilizer. The country exclusively produces both urea and ammonia fertilizers. Oman’s success for this year can be attributed to selling to major Asian markets. However, fertilizer production was still 5.3% less than the previous year.

#8 Belgium – 4.56 Billion USD

Belgium is ranked eighth when it comes to fertilizer production. The country produced a total of 4.56 billion USD. Fertilizer production has been a critical part of Belgium’s economy, as they have made mineral fertilizers since the 1850s. Today, Belgium has transitioned from a local market to a global one. 

#9 Netherlands – 4 Billion USD

The Netherlands is also a significant producer of fertilizer globally. In 2022, the country produced nearly 4 billion USD worth of fertilizer. Specifically, the Netherlands produces nitrogenous, potash, phosphate, and ground rock phosphate fertilizers. This average is less than the previous year, as in 2021, the country produced 8.8% more. That being said, in 2022, the fertilizer produced sold for higher amounts, as there were price hikes.

#10 Qatar – 3.58 Billion USD

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East. It produces ammonia, urea, melamine, and formaldehyde condensates. In 2022, the country produced nearly 3.58 billion USD worth of fertilizer. Most fertilizers here are produced by the Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO), which was founded in 1969. It’s the country’s first large-scale venture in this sector.

Summary Top 10 Fertilizer-Producing Countries in the World

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