The UN warns of the risk of a global fertilizer shortage due to a war involving Iran.

THE United Nations (UN) The article warns that the war involving Iran already represents a significant threat to the global fertilizer supply, especially for developing countries dependent on imports. According to Pamela Coke-Hamilton, head of the UN International Trade Centre (ITC), fertilizer shortages have become an urgent concern given the logistical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Reuters, she said that about a third of the urea traded globally normally transits through the Strait of Hormuz – currently under severe restrictions due to the conflict. “There are significant problems regarding fertilizer availability and also a timeline for agriculture in terms of ensuring there is enough for the next harvest,” Coke-Hamilton told Reuters. According to the ITC, dependence on nitrogen fertilizers produced in the Gulf is particularly high in countries in Asia and Africa.  The UN also assessed that some countries that export energy commodities, such as oil and natural gas, may register temporary gains from the rise in oil and natural gas prices. However, the agency emphasizes that these gains tend to be limited, since most of these countries remain net importers of refined fuels.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.