The Iran war’s impacts on global fertilizer markets and food production

Key takeaways

• Shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz have already driven sharp increases in fertilizer and energy prices.

• Higher prices could reduce fertilizer use and lower crop yields if the disruption persists, posing significant food security risks.

• Most vulnerable are countries heavily dependent on Persian Gulf fertilizer and natural gas —especially in Africa and South Asia.

• The fertilizer sector remains very vulnerable to future supply and trade shocks , and efforts to boost resilience should be stepped up.