Urea, with the chemical formula CH4N2O or CO(NH2)2, is a widely used fertilizer in agricultural production. As a significant nitrogen fertilizer, urea contains a high concentration of nitrogen (approximately 46%) and is one of the most commonly used nitrogen fertilizers globally. With the global population increasing, the rising demand for food has made improving agricultural yields a priority for many countries, driving growth in the fertilizer market, especially for urea.
Russia is one of the world's key producers and exporters of urea, leveraging its abundant natural gas resources, which provide it with a strong competitive edge internationally. According to CRI, Russia holds a prominent position in the global fertilizer market through its massive urea production capacity and export network. Russian urea production facilities are primarily located in Western Siberia and the Volga region, areas that benefit from a stable supply of natural gas and well-established chemical infrastructure.
Russia is a leading exporter of urea, sending substantial quantities to international markets each year. Its share of the global urea export market is significant. Fertilizer exports from Russia, including urea, are regulated through export quotas. In recent years, Russia has repeatedly extended the validity of its fertilizer export quota system and dynamically adjusted quota levels. For instance, in 2024, the Russian government proposed extending nitrogen and compound fertilizer export quotas until May 31, 2025, with corresponding quota limits. Approximately 60%-70% of Russia’s urea production is designated for export.
Based on data from CRI, Russia's total urea export value reached USD 392 million in 2023, and international market demand continues to grow. From January to March 2024, Russia’s cumulative urea export value was already close to USD 293 million.
The analysis by CRI shows that Russia's urea export markets span countries in South America, Europe, and Asia. Finland is the largest destination for Russian urea exports, while agricultural powerhouses such as Brazil and India are also significant markets. From 2022 to 2024, Russia’s main urea export destinations included Finland, Brazil, India, Mexico, the United States, Turkey, Colombia, the Netherlands, and Germany. Key companies importing urea from Russia include EUROCHEM TRADING GMBH, URALKALI TRADING DMCC, and SBU NITROTRADE AG. Major Russian exporters of urea include НОВОМОСКОВСКАЯ АКЦИОНЕРНАЯ КОМПАНИЯ «АЗОТ», АКЦИОНЕРНОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО АПАТИТ, and ОАО ТОЛЬЯТТИАЗОТ.
In summary, Russia is a major global player in urea production and export, benefiting from its abundant natural gas resources, strong production capacity, and competitive pricing. Despite facing challenges such as international sanctions and fluctuations in natural gas prices, Russia has maintained its competitive position in the global market by expanding exports to emerging markets and innovating its technologies. CRI forecasts that with continued global agricultural demand, Russia’s urea industry is expected to remain an important player in the international market, with its urea exports poised for sustained growth in the coming years.
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