US Farmers Brace for Soaring Fertilizer Costs Amid Iran War

Crop producers face 40% spike in fertilizer prices, raising concerns about affordability and availability

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Farmers across the United States are bracing for a significant increase in fertilizer costs this season, with some expecting to pay up to 40% more than last year. The price hike is largely attributed to the ongoing war between the US and Israel against Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and limited access to key fertilizer ingredients from the Middle East. This comes at a time when many farmers are already struggling with financial losses from previous years, making it increasingly difficult to absorb the extra costs.

Why it matters

Fertilizer is a crucial input for crop production, especially for corn, which is a major staple in the US food and fuel supply. The sharp rise in fertilizer prices could put a significant strain on farmers' finances, potentially leading to reduced crop yields, higher food prices, and increased reliance on imported agricultural products. The situation also highlights the vulnerability of the US agricultural sector to global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

The details

About 15% of fertilizer imports to the US come from the Middle East, and the region supplies around half of the global urea supply and 30% of ammonia, key ingredients in nitrogen-based fertilizers. The disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, has led to a spike in fuel prices, which are a key input for fertilizer production. Farmers who have not already pre-ordered and paid for their fertilizer may face difficulties obtaining it at any price, as supplies are limited.

  • The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026, leading to the shipping disruption.
  • Farmers are preparing for the upcoming spring planting season, when fertilizer demand is highest.

The players

Todd Littleton

A third-generation farmer from Gibson County, Tennessee, who grows corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Zippy Duvall

The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Harry Ott

A cotton, corn, and peanut farmer who also leads the South Carolina farm bureau.

Jacqui Fatka

A farm supply economist for creditor CoBank.

Nancy Martinez

The director of public policy, trade, and biotechnology for the National Corn Growers Association.

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What they’re saying

“The problem is, is we're so strained financially coming into this issue. We have had a couple of record losses the last couple years, so everyone's kinda grabbing at straws anyway, and then to have input prices increase yet again, it just really couldn't happen at a worse time.”

— Todd Littleton, Farmer

“We're being told that many of our farmers that haven't preordered their fertilizer and paid for it may not even obtain the fertilizer that they're going to need during the season or for spring planting. That's why this situation is so serious.”

— Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation

“It is a really dire situation that our farmers facing.”

— Harry Ott, Cotton, Corn, and Peanut Farmer; South Carolina Farm Bureau Leader

What’s next

The Trump administration has said it is taking steps to increase fertilizer imports from Venezuela, which could help alleviate the supply shortage. However, experts warn that even if the Iran war is resolved, it will take time for the global fertilizer supply chain to return to normal, and prices may not quickly fall.

The takeaway

The skyrocketing fertilizer costs driven by the US-Iran conflict highlight the vulnerability of the American agricultural sector to global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Farmers are facing a perfect storm of rising input costs and financial strain, which could lead to reduced crop yields, higher food prices, and increased reliance on imported agricultural products if not addressed.