Trade experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warn that a prolonged crisis surrounding Iran could create disruptions in global fertilizer markets, ProAgro Group reports.
One of the main risks is a possible halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global trade.
“If the crisis drags on, it could affect global agriculture and, consequently, food prices,” FAO experts noted.
Approximately a quarter of the world’s fertilizers are transported through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning that any prolonged disruption could significantly impact global supply chains.
As for Iran’s domestic food supply, the country may face difficulties importing certain commodities due to a shortage of hard currency.
Regarding wheat, one of Iran’s key import products, most supplies come from Russia and Kazakhstan via land routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. A similar situation applies to rice imports from Pakistan, though not from India, another major supplier.
However, if the conflict continues for an extended period, shortages could emerge in corn used as livestock feed, which is mainly transported by sea. Other commodities potentially affected include oilseeds, sugar and tea.
FAO experts refrain from making long-term forecasts given the rapidly changing situation and limited access to accurate data due to logistical constraints.
Earlier it was reported that Ukraine is facing a growing deficit of nitrogen fertilizers that could significantly affect the 2026 planting campaign and crop yields. A shortage of nitrogen may reduce yields by 15–20%, especially amid challenging weather conditions and localized ice crust formation in fields.
Source: UkrAgroConsult
