Government/Industry Fertiliser Supply Working Group Communiqué
Fertiliser Supply Working Group Meeting - 26 June 2026
The Government/Industry Fertiliser Supply Working Group met for the tenth time on 26 June 2026.
The Fertiliser Supply Working Group met to discuss current fertiliser supply and market conditions, including international price trends, and seasonal demand.
The meeting noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran. The conflict has forced Australia, and other nations, to pivot to alternative sources, creating a more competitive global market for urea during our peak winter demand period. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will ease pressure on global markets but recovery will take time. The task of securing fertiliser supply is ongoing, with market disruption expected to persist.
The meeting also acknowledged the development by ABARES of a fertiliser dashboard. This dashboard provides information on the latest global and Australian indicator prices for fertiliser-grade urea and import quantities as well as other fertilisers.
The Working Group noted continued progress under the Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility (FFSF), which continues to provide targeted price-risk support to facilitate shipments that would not otherwise have been secured for the Australian market due to uncertainty in global markets. Total volumes secured through the FFSF have now reached approximately 340,000 tonnes. The Working Group noted FFSF settings may be adjusted as circumstances evolve, where evidence supports doing so, and acknowledged that further work will be undertaken to carefully consider and plan any next steps.
The Working Group also noted that several companies continue negotiations to participate in the facility, reflecting ongoing industry engagement.
Members discussed recent movements in international and domestic urea prices noting the decline in both. The Working Group continues to closely monitor fertiliser supply, market conditions, and seasonal developments for other products including phosphates, sulphur and nitrogen-based fertilisers beyond urea but noted, as per ABARES’ fertiliser dashboard, that supplies into Australia are tracking above the 3-year average.
Seasonal conditions and international commodity prices continue to be key drivers of fertiliser demand and pricing in Australia. Members noted that, in the current conditions, price levels are having a greater influence on fertiliser use decisions than supply availability. Members also noted that urea prices have been falling since their conflict peak, with the global urea price now down 55% and the Australian urea price down 27%.
Members noted that recent rainfall has supported some increased winter planting activity. However, the full extent of planting and fertiliser demand is still being determined. The Working Group will monitor planting activity and fertiliser demand as the season progresses.
Attendees
Australian Government members:
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Chair
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Export Finance Australia
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Industry members:
- Fertilizer Australia
- National Farmers’ Federation