Australian dependance on imported fertiliser is substantial

Australian Growers consumed 8.6mmt of fertiliser in 2024, with imports accounting for 7.9mmt. According to Fertiliser Australia, 60% of imports originate from the Persian Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, leaving the industry highly vulnerable to the Iran war.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, fertiliser imports from the Persian Gulf have slumped but have to date been mostly replaced with supply from Red Sea ports and Canada: 1mmt being imported since the start of the conflict. The Federal government has streamlined biosecurity measures and allocated A$7.5 billion to underwrite future fuel & fertiliser purchases to accelerate imports.

With the Australian 26/27 crop in the ground, it’ll be vital the supply chain continues to innovate to meet the ongoing challenges of the Iran war.