Morocco could gain additional European fertilizer demand after a major Lithuanian phosphate plant halted production and shipping disruptions tightened global supplies, according to industry reports.
Argus Media reported that EuroChem’s Lifosa plant in Lithuania had suspended all production because of high raw-material costs. The producer had not directly confirmed the shutdown.
Lifosa has annual capacity of about 1 million tonnes of DAP, MAP and NPS fertilizers, alongside 220,000 tonnes of feed-grade monocalcium phosphate and 35,000 tonnes of technical monoammonium phosphate. Removing that capacity could increase European reliance on imports, including supplies from Morocco’s OCP Group.
Price pressure has become visible in Ukraine, where compound fertilizer prices rose by 300 to 500 hryvnias per tonne within one week. Polish producers Siarczopol and FOSFAN also raised prices, with superphosphate increasing by more than 19%.
Ukrainian deliveries face additional constraints along the Danube after Russian strikes near Maiaky in the Odesa region disrupted logistics, while demand remains moderate.
The International Fertilizer Association estimated that conflict in the Middle East had interrupted about 5.5 million tonnes of global urea production. It said a sustained recovery would depend on vessels returning to Gulf routes, not only on ships already stranded near the Strait of Hormuz departing.
The World Bank expects fertilizer prices to rise more than 30% globally during 2026.
Buyers are consequently seeking additional fertilizer from Morocco, the United States and Canada, while shipping operators use longer and more cautious routes.
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