Fertilizer diplomacy: Brazil trip to Jordan

Brazil's new Minister of Agriculture, Marcos Montes, has traveled to Jordan, Egypt and Morocco to discuss increased fertilizer imports from these countries.

"It's a pilgrimage that we are calling fertilizer diplomacy," Montes said, adding he would be joined by private sector representatives. "We are going to open doors."

About 85% of Brazil's fertilizer needs come from imports. China's export restrictions have affected Brazil's concern about a potential global shortage of products. Western countries have also implemented sanctions against Belarus and Russia as the main producers.

Brazil aimed to encourage foreign investors to produce fertilizers in Brazil, Montes said.

Domestic fertilizer imports in April have likely exceeded 1.88 million tonnes since April 2021, based on initial trade data. Average daily fertilizer imports have jumped to 149,000 tonnes in the fourth week of last month, up from an average of 94,000 tonnes in April 2021.

Montes has also initiated discussions with Iran to increase Brazil's urea import quota from one million tonnes to three million tonnes. Negotiations with Iran are ongoing, citing payment difficulties associated with sanctions against the country and refusing to provide a timeline for any announcement.

Reference:

Samora R., & Mano, A. Reuters. (2022, May 03). Brazil plans ‘fertilizer diplomacy’ trip to North Africa, Jordan to secure more imports. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-plans-fertilizer-diplomacy-trip-nafrica-jordan-secure-more-imports-2022-05-03/