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Fertiliser shortages force Asian farmers to abandon planting season
As the planting season begins across Southeast Asia, farmers are halting work due to soaring fertiliser prices and supply shortages, threatening the region's rice harvests and global food security. Suchart Piamsomboon, a 60-year-old farmer from Thailand's Chachoengsao province, abandoned plans to plant this season after learning fertiliser costs had surged to over 1,100 baht per sack-up from 800-900 baht a month earlier. "Farming only leads to financial losses," he said. "I'd rather work as a day labourer."
War and export bans disrupt global fertiliser trade
The crisis stems from two key disruptions. On 28 February, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for one-third of the world's seaborne fertiliser trade. Within weeks, urea prices jumped over 40%. Meanwhile, China-responsible for 25% of global fertiliser production-banned exports of several key types in March, citing domestic supply concerns. Customs data shows 50-80% of Chinese fertiliser exports are now restricted.
A Shandong-based exporter, who requested anonymity, said his company had contracts with buyers in Thailand, Indonesia, and New Zealand but was ordered to halt shipments. "We had orders ready, but now we've been told not to ship," he said. "The government is prioritising domestic supply."
China's self-sufficiency policy deepens regional shortages
Beijing's 2023 food security law mandates local governments to meet grain production targets, making fertiliser exports politically untenable amid rising global prices. "Food security is a key political issue," said Professor Paul Teng, a food security expert in Singapore. "The government won't compromise."
The Strait of Hormuz closure also threatens China's access to liquified natural gas, a critical feedstock for nitrogen fertilisers. With China's doors shut, Southeast Asia-heavily dependent on its supply-faces severe shortages. Vietnam, a major rice exporter, sourced over half its fertiliser from China in early 2026, while the Philippines relies on China for 75% of its supply and has no domestic production.
Supply chain collapse risks global rice shortages
Thailand, a regional rice powerhouse, imported 20% of its fertiliser from China in 2024 and 32% from the Gulf-both now disrupted. Analysts warn the impact won't be felt immediately but will emerge later this year as harvests shrink or fail. "If the crisis drags on, rice crops will be affected," Teng said.
The UN World Food Programme estimates the Middle East conflict could push 45 million more people into acute hunger in 2026, with Asia-Pacific facing a 24% rise in food insecurity-the largest increase globally. Pratheuang Piamsomboon, a Bangkok farmer, summed up the frustration: "Sometimes I wish farmers would stop planting altogether, so the government would understand our hardship."
Outlook: A looming food security crisis
With planting decisions being made now, the coming months will determine the region's harvest yields. If shortages persist, the ripple effects could destabilise global rice markets, driving up prices and deepening hunger in import-dependent nations.
