Ammonium nitrate (chemical formula NH4NO3) is a common inorganic compound widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture, providing essential nitrogen to plants for growth. Containing approximately 34% nitrogen, ammonium nitrate is an effective nitrogen source, suitable for a variety of crops and soil types, particularly excelling in soils with low nitrogen content. As the global population grows and the demand for food increases, enhancing agricultural yields has become a key focus for many countries, driving demand in the fertilizer market, especially for ammonium nitrate.
Russia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of fertilizers, especially in nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Its abundant natural resources and massive production capacity make Russia a critical supplier in the global fertilizer market. Leveraging its extensive natural gas resources, Russia is a leading ammonium nitrate producer, with annual production estimated at several million tons. Russia’s ammonium nitrate production facilities are mainly located in resource-rich regions, such as the Ural, Volga, and Siberian areas. Regions with abundant natural gas and convenient transportation are typically the primary production bases for Russia’s ammonium nitrate.
Russia's fertilizer exports, including ammonium nitrate, are subject to export quotas. For instance, during the period from December 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, Russia set export quotas for nitrogen and compound fertilizers at 16.95 million tons, of which nitrogen fertilizers (including ammonium nitrate) accounted for 9.8 million tons. Russia is one of the world's largest exporters of ammonium nitrate, with approximately 80% of its annual production designated for export, supplying various countries and regions. According to CRI data, Russia’s ammonium nitrate export value reached USD 930 million in 2023, and international market demand continues to grow, with cumulative exports from January to April 2024 nearing USD 300 million.
CRI indicates that Russia's ammonium nitrate export markets span South America, Asia, and several developing agricultural countries and regions in Africa. Brazil, a major agricultural nation, is the largest destination for Russian ammonium nitrate exports, given its substantial demand for nitrogen fertilizers. Other important markets include countries like India in Asia and several African nations. CRI's analysis from 2022 to 2024 shows that Russia's primary ammonium nitrate export destinations include Brazil, India, Peru, Mongolia, Morocco, and Mozambique. Key companies importing ammonium nitrate from Russia include EUROCHEM TRADING GMBH, EUROCHEM TRADING MIDDLE EAST DMCC, and FERTCOM L.L.C. FZ. Major exporters of ammonium nitrate from Russia include companies such as НОВОМОСКОВСКАЯ АКЦИОНЕРНАЯ КОМПАНИЯ «АЗОТ», AGROKHIMPROMPOSTAVKA, and AO NAK AZOT.
Overall, Russia is a major player in the global ammonium nitrate market, holding a significant share thanks to its resource advantages and production scale. CRI forecasts that despite potential challenges posed by political conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the outlook for Russia’s ammonium nitrate exports remains promising as global agricultural development continues to drive demand.
Topics covered:
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook