Nournews: Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East—particularly tensions and maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026—have once again highlighted the importance of this strategic corridor for global trade. Based on published data, disruptions in shipping along this route have reduced regional exports of fertilizers and chemical feedstocks, resulting in significant price increases. This is while, in 2025 alone, more than 46.58 million tons of various fertilizers and their raw materials were exported from the Middle East, over 90 percent of which passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The presented map shows that a network of key ports in the Persian Gulf is directly exposed to the risks caused by these disruptions. In the northwestern part of the Persian Gulf, Kuwaiti ports including Mina Al-Ahmadi, Mina Abdullah, and Shuaiba are active. In Saudi Arabia, major centers such as Ras Al-Khair and Al-Jubail play key roles in exports. In Bahrain, Sitra port, and in Qatar, two main hubs—Ras Laffan and Mesaieed—are prominent. The United Arab Emirates, with ports such as Al Ruwais and Fujairah (near the Strait’s exit), is also a major player. Oman’s ports including Sohar, Qalhat, Sur, and Salalah are involved as well. In Iran, Bandar Abbas and Bandar Imam Khomeini are considered key export chokepoints. This geographical spread shows that nearly all regional exports depend on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
In terms of product composition, a significant share of global exports of key materials passes through this route. Based on 2025 data, about 47% of global sulfur exports, 35% of urea, 26% of phosphate fertilizer (DAP), and 24% of ammonia are potentially affected by disruptions in the Strait. These figures indicate the deep dependence of global markets on this strategic passage.
In the section on “at-risk export flows,” it is also shown that urea accounts for the largest share of regional exports, followed by sulfur, ammonia, and DAP. Among these, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar hold large shares, while Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait participate at lower levels. The data show that sulfur exports are particularly significant in volume and that a large portion is allocated to global markets.
On the other hand, Platts price charts show that price trends have been upward from March 2025 to March 2026. Saudi Arabia’s DAP FOB prices have fluctuated between approximately $600 and $800 per ton and have moved toward higher levels in recent months. Middle East sulfur FOB prices have surged from around $200 to nearly $700. Urea FOB prices in the Middle East have increased from about $400 to over $500, and ammonia FOB prices have also experienced noticeable growth. These increases have intensified particularly after the outbreak of hostilities on February 28.
Rising prices and concerns over declining supply have wide-ranging consequences for the agricultural sector. Chemical fertilizers are among the most important inputs in agricultural production, and any disruption in their supply directly affects output performance. As a result, higher fertilizer prices can lead to reduced usage, lower productivity, and ultimately higher food prices.
At the macro level, this situation can pose serious challenges for importing countries, especially developing economies that are more dependent on imports. In addition, rising transportation costs, maritime insurance, and geopolitical risks put additional pressure on the global supply chain.
Overall, the Strait of Hormuz is not only an energy transit route but also one of the most vital arteries for supplying agricultural inputs worldwide. Any disruption in this route can have widespread effects on food security, prices, and global economic stability.
Nournews