Red alert in the phosphate market: the key player reduces production

The Moroccan company OCP Group announced that it is carrying out advanced maintenance on some of its fertilizer production facilities, which could reduce the global phosphate supply. The decision came in a period when raw material shortages are already putting pressure on the markets. The EU annually purchases approximately 5–7 million tons of phosphate rock from abroad, in addition to a large amount of processed fertilizer entering its market. The main supplier is Morocco, but Russia also previously played a significant role in supplying the community. Besides them, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Tunisia are also important sources. Since 2022, Russian imports have declined, increasing the EU's dependence on North Africa. The weight of countries with smaller supplies, such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan, has increased in imports. The latter are directly affected by the current war. Additionally, Egypt and Turkey play a key role as transit countries in the transportation of phosphate ...