Hormuz Closure Traps Up To A Third Of Global Fertilizer Exports In The Gulf

13 Mar 2026 Issue: 69 / 11 By: James Marriott

As much as a third of the world’s fertilizers exports are trapped inside the Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The resultant fertilizer price spikes are liable to feed into food prices and create renewed global inflationary pressure.

Every day that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the world slides deeper into an economic crisis. This week the IEA said the world is facing the largest oil market disruption in history, as its members approved a record release of 400mn barrels from its stockpile (MEES, 13 March). The spike in oil prices is already having inflationary effects, and more is coming down the line as the knock-on effects filter through different industries and markets.

Potentially one of the most pronounced impacts will be felt in global food markets due to the disruption to fertilizer exports from the Gulf. “A significant share of global fertilizer trade is exposed to the Strait of Hormuz,” says Laura Cross, Director of Market Intelligence at the International Fertilizer Association. (CONTINUED - 989 WORDS)