BRICS countries account for a significant share of the global fertiliser market. What advantages does this provide for the group and the Global South as a whole? Read more in this TV BRICS article
The global fertiliser market and BRICS
The fertiliser market is now a strategically important sector. It underpins sustainable development, food security, and even national sovereignty. In this respect, the outlook for BRICS countries is highly positive. On the one hand, the group includes some of the world’s largest fertiliser exporters; on the other, it also comprises several of the leading global importers.
“China, Russia and India are the largest fertiliser producers within BRICS. Together, they account for almost 90 per cent of the group’s fertiliser production: China contributes more than 40 per cent, Russia around 25 per cent, and India 20 per cent. The principal fertiliser importers within BRICS are Brazil, India and China. Their shares of global fertiliser imports stand at 18, 11 and 8 per cent, respectively,” Roman Romashkin,an expert in agricultural development and trade, agro-industrial integration and food security, said in an exclusive interview for TV BRICS.
Between 2018 and 2021, global demand for fertilisers increased rapidly. By the end of this period, the global fertiliser market was valued at US$85.5 billion. Growth remains strong in several segments. In 2025, global potash shipments reached 74.5 million tonnes, driven by robust demand in South-East Asia. According to analysts, this growth is expected to continue in 2026, with total potash fertiliser demand forecast at 74–77 million tonnes. As for mineral fertilisers, the International Fertiliser Association (IFA) projects global demand of between 194.6 million and 211.1 million tonnes in 2026.
At the same time, shortages of mineral fertilisers represent a serious risk and a threat to food security. Modelling has shown that reducing nitrogen fertiliser use alone would decrease global production of maize, rice and wheat by 1.4, 1.5 and 3.1 per cent, respectively.
BRICS countries are well positioned to strengthen their influence in the fertiliser market and stimulate the growth of the agrochemical industry through mutually beneficial cooperation. The import needs of some members are increasingly being met by exports from others. Brazil, for example, is a major importer of mineral fertilisers, with Russia and China serving as its principal suppliers. Russia accounts for 32 per cent of Brazil’s fertiliser imports, while China supplies 26 per cent.
“Alongside India and Brazil, South Africa, Ethiopia and Indonesia are also heavily dependent on fertiliser imports. BRICS suppliers meet 33 per cent of South Africa’s fertiliser demand, 35 per cent of Ethiopia’s, and 47 per cent of Indonesia’s,” notes Roman Romashkin.
The presence within BRICS of China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of fertilisers, together with Russia, the largest exporter, benefits not only member states but also countries across the Global South. Importing nations gain access to stable, large-scale supplies of this critical resource, significantly reducing the risks of crop failures and food crises.
New logistics
Global changes in supply chains are prompting BRICS countries to seek more reliable and cost-effective routes for transporting agrochemical products. Traditional corridors, such as the Baltic ports and transit routes through the Black and Azov Seas, are gradually being diversified.
Russia’s Far Eastern ports are assuming particular importance within the new logistics architecture. Their handling capacity is being steadily expanded, creating additional opportunities for exporting potash and nitrogen fertilisers to the Asia-Pacific region, including China, India and the countries of South-East Asia.
Within BRICS, initiatives to establish joint logistics platforms are being actively discussed. These platforms could standardise supply chains, simplify customs procedures and provide more transparent pricing. In the longer term, the objective is to create a unified BRICS transport and logistics area with common rules for freight transport, cargo insurance and shipment tracking.
The development of these routes and infrastructure projects is expected not only to enhance the reliability of fertiliser trade within BRICS but also to reinforce the group’s role as a guarantor of food security across the Global South by reducing the risk of supply disruptions for agricultural producers in developing countries.
Prospects for future supply growth
Experts believe that fully unlocking the potential of the BRICS fertiliser market will require overcoming existing trade barriers. Since 2024, BRICS working groups have been actively discussing the liberalisation of trade, the harmonisation of standards, the mutual recognition of quality certificates, and even the removal of import duties on fertilisers among member states.
“Trade in fertilisers among BRICS countries is experiencing, and will continue to experience, exponential growth, which will primarily benefit small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Guillermo Miguel Rocafort Perez, TV BRICS expert in economics and international relations.
Such measures could help guarantee timely supplies to member states while strengthening food security across the Global South. A number of experts also argue that BRICS should go beyond expanding mutual trade and establish joint fertiliser production facilities in Brazil, India and African countries. This would help reduce logistics costs. Further growth in the fertiliser market could also be supported by increasing settlements in national currencies and by creating a BRICS grain exchange and commodities exchange.
Article by Svetlana Khristoforova.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
