HS Code:
Mixtures of urea and ammonium nitrate in aqueous or ammoniacal solution, classified under HS Code 310280, are primarily used as nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture. These mixtures provide a readily available source of nitrogen to crops, enhancing growth and yield. They are typically applied through irrigation systems (fertigation) due to their liquid form. This product category is critical for modern agricultural practices, particularly in regions with intensive farming systems. The global trade of these mixtures is influenced by agricultural demand, fertilizer pricing, and regional production capacities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$350 million USD
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local fertilizer industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or in WTO member countries with zero tariffs on agricultural inputs)
Rising demand for precision agriculture
Increased adoption of liquid fertilizers like urea-ammonium nitrate mixtures due to compatibility with fertigation systems, driving trade growth in regions with advanced farming technologies.
2021-2023
Fluctuations in natural gas prices
Since natural gas is a key input in nitrogen fertilizer production, price volatility affects production costs and trade competitiveness, particularly for exporters like Russia.
2022-2023
Shift towards sustainable farming
Growing environmental concerns are leading to stricter regulations on nitrogen use, potentially reducing demand in some regions while encouraging innovation in eco-friendly formulations.
2020-2023
The European Union extended anti-dumping duties on urea-ammonium nitrate mixtures from Russia, citing unfair pricing practices that harm EU producers.
June 2023
This has led to a redirection of Russian exports to non-EU markets like Latin America and Asia, reshaping trade flows.
Under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, tariffs on fertilizer inputs including urea-ammonium nitrate mixtures have been eliminated, boosting trade among member countries.
January 2023
Increased trade volume between the US and Canada, with Mexico emerging as a key importer.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted fertilizer supply chains, with sanctions on Russian exports and reduced Ukrainian production capacity causing price spikes and trade uncertainty.
March 2022
Higher prices globally and a push for alternative suppliers in regions like the Middle East and North America.