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SOUTH AFRICAN FERTILIZERS MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT
2017
Directorate Marketing Tel: 012 319 8455 Private Bag X 15 Fax: 012 319 8131 Arcadia E-mail:[email protected] 0007 www.daff.gov.za
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY ............................................................................................... 4
2. GLOBAL FERTILISER PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION ...................................................... 4
3. MANUFACTURING OF FERTILIZER ............................................................................................. 7
5. LOCAL FERTILIZER PRICES VS INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER PRICES ............................... 11
6. EXPORT VOLUMES OF FERTILIZERS ....................................................................................... 12
6.1 LIMESTONE AMMONIUM NITRATE (LAN) ..................................................................................... 12 6.2 MONO-AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (MAP) ...................................................................................... 14 6.3 NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM (NPK) ...................................................................... 16 6.4 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE ............................................................................................................. 18 6.5 POTASSIUM SULPHATE ............................................................................................................. 20 6.6 SUPERPHOSPHATE ................................................................................................................... 22
7. IMPORT VOLUMES OF FERTILIZERS ........................................................................................ 24
7.1 UREA ...................................................................................................................................... 24 7.2 LIMESTONE AMMONIUM NITRATE (LAN) ..................................................................................... 26 7.3 MONO-AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (MAP) ...................................................................................... 28 7.4 POTASSIUM SULPHATE ............................................................................................................. 30 7.5 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE ............................................................................................................. 32 7.6 SUPERPHOSPHATE ................................................................................................................... 34
8. SWOT ANALYSIS (STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS) .................. 36
9. ROLE PLAYERS IN THE FERTILZER INDUSTRY ...................................................................... 37
10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... 38
List of figures Figure 1: Global consumption of fertilizers, 2006 - 2015 ......................................................................................... 5 Figure 2: Fertilizer consumption in South Africa, 2006 - 2016 ................................................................................ 6 Figure 3: Phosphate fertilizer manufacturing process ............................................................................................. 7 Figure 4: Nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing process ................................................................................................. 8 Figure 5: Potash fertilizer manufacturing process ................................................................................................. 10 Figure 6: South African fertilizer prices, 2007 - 2016 ............................................................................................ 11
Figure 7: Export volumes of LAN fertilizer to the world, 2007 - 2016 .................................................................... 13 Figure 8: Export volumes of LAN fertilizer to SADC (excluding SACU) ................................................................ 14 Figure 9: Export volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) to the world, 2007 - 2016 ............................... 15 Figure 10: Volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) exports to African regions and countries, 2007 - 2016 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 11: Export volumes of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the world, 2007 - 2016 ... 17 Figure 12: Volume of NPK exports to SADC, SACU and its member states, 2007 - 2016 ................................... 18 Figure 13: Export volumes of Potassium Chloride to the world, 2007 - 2016........................................................ 19 Figure 14: Export volumes of KCL fertilizer to SADC, SACU and member states, 2007 - 2016 ........................... 20 Figure 15: Export volumes of Potassium Sulphate to the world, 2007 - 2016 ....................................................... 21 Figure 16: Export volumes of Potassium Sulphate to SADC and member states, 2007 - 2016 ............................ 22 Figure 17: Export volumes of Superphosphate to the world, 2007 - 2016 ............................................................ 23 Figure 18: Export volumes of Superphosphate to SADC and SACU, 2007 - 2016 ............................................... 23 Figure 19: Import volumes of Urea fertilizers from the world, 2007 - 2016............................................................ 25
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Figure 20: Import volumes of Urea fertilizers from Western Asia, 2007 - 2016 ..................................................... 26 Figure 21: Import volumes of LAN fertilizers from the world, 2007 - 2016 ............................................................ 27 Figure 22: Import volumes of LAN from EU and Eastern Europe, 2007 - 2016 .................................................... 28 Figure 23: Import volumes of MAP fertilizer from the world, 2007 - 2016 ............................................................. 29 Figure 24: Import volumes of MAP fertilizer from Europe, 2007 - 2016 ................................................................ 29 Figure 25: Import volumes of Potassium Sulphate from the world, 2007 - 2016 ................................................... 31 Figure 26: Import volumes of Potassium Sulphate from EU, South America and Eastern Asia countries, 2007 - 2016 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Figure 27: Import volumes of Potassium Chloride from the world, 2007 - 2016 .................................................... 33 Figure 28: Import volumes of Potassium Chloride from South America, EU and Western Asia countries, 2007 - 2016 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Figure 29: Import volumes of Superphosphate from the world, 2007 - 2016 ........................................................ 35 Figure 30: Import volumes of Superphosphate from Asian regions and member countries, 2007 - 2016 ............. 36
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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY
Fertilizer consumption in South Africa represents about 0.5% of the total global consumption and as
such the local fertilizer industry is a price taker. For this reason it is important to study the international
fertilizer supply and demand balances and other factors which influence this market as they have a
direct impact on the domestic market. The South African fertilizer industry is fully exposed to world
market forces and operates in a totally deregulated environment with no import tariffs or government
sponsored support measures. In this deregulated market environment, fertilizer prices are strongly
influenced by international prices, currency exchange rates (R/US$) and shipping costs. Farm gate
prices of fertilizer evidently include the cost of distribution, intermediate storage and packaging.
Maize accounts for 41% of total fertilizer application while the second largest fertilizer consumer is
sugar cane at 18%. The horticultural and fruit crop sectors account for 20 percent of fertilizer
consumption but their contribution to the total value of crop production is much greater. The South
African fertilizer market is very competitive, with a handful of national and regional operators.
Competition is driven through price incentives, product differentiation and specialized services such as
individual agronomic advice, custom blending and application. South Africa is a net importer of
fertilizers. All of our potassium, as well as 60% to 70% of our nitrogen requirements are imported. This
means that the local prices would be subjected to the same supply and demand drivers as in the
international industry. Local prices are therefore also influenced by the shipping costs and the
rand/dollar exchange rate. Most of the international fertilizer prices (dollar per ton) increased on an
annual basis and due to the significant depreciation of the exchange rate international fertilizer prices
increase even more.
2. GLOBAL FERTILISER PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
Table 1 below presents the top-ten fertilizer producers in the world during 2016, with India occupying
the top spot with approximately 282 million tons while Germany occupied the tenth spot with 4.3 million
tons.
Table 1: Global fertilizer production rankings - 2016
Rank Country Tons (Thousands)
1 India 282 896
2 Russia 244 106
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Rank Country Tons (Thousands)
3 Canada 210 683
4 United States of America 174 101
5 Belarus 102 506
6 Indonesia 100 749
7 Ukraine 42 546
8 Trinidad & Tobago 4 824
9 China 4 508
10 Germany 4 394
Source: FAOSTAT, 2016
Figure 1 below shows the global consumption of fertilizers based on the three major nutrients namely,
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) between 2006 and 2015 marketing seasons.
Figure 1: Global consumption of fertilizers, 2006 - 2015
Source: IFA, 2017
It is quite clear from the Figure 1 above that, generally fertilizer consumption remained stable over the
period between 2006 and 2015. The demand for nitrogen fertilizers was high over the past ten years
under review, followed by potassium and phosphorus respectively. The figure also shows that global
consumption of nitrogen fertilizer consistently increased from 2006 except for a slight decline in 2008 to
approximately 97 million tons. In 2015, the demand for nitrogen fertilizer increased slightly by 0.6% and
peaked at approximately 109.8 million tons in 2014. Globally, the demand for phosphorus and
potassium fertilizers was very low compared to Nitrogen during the ten year period under review and
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
N 93111 94814 89956 95711 96978 100526 101194 104081 102488 103895
P 39793 39420 34710 39902 42420 42917 43690 44998 45897 46533
K 27431 28115 23499 22592 28191 29039 29588 31553 33549 33741
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not more than 50 million tons per annum. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are the most used for crop
production. The international price of nitrogen fertilizer automatically went up because of high demand
for the product. During the same period, the price of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers declined
substantially due to very low demand globally.
3. SOUTH AFRICAN FERTILISER CONSUMPTION
The utilisation of fertilisers in South Africa between 2007 and 2016 is depicted in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2: Fertilizer consumption in South Africa, 2006 - 2016
Source: FERTASA
It is quite clear from Figure 2 above that nitrogen fertilizers were stable and the mostly used fertilizers
throughout the period under review, followed by potassium and phosphorus. The figure also shows that
South Africa’s consumption of fertilizer was relatively stable during the period under rview. In 2009, the
demand for fertilizer increased significantly until a peak was attained at approximately 450 000 tons.
Domestically, the demand for phosphorus and potassium fertilizers was very low during the ten year
period under review and remained on average at 100 000 tons per annum. During 2016 season,
consumption volumes for NPK fertilizers increased slightly. Nitrogen declined by 7% while both
potassium and phosphorus declined by 4.5% and 5.2% respectively.
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3. MANUFACTURING OF FERTILIZER
Figure 3: Phosphate fertilizer manufacturing process
Phosphate Rock Mine
Phosphate Rock
Production of Phosphoric
Acid
Phosphoric acid
Production of Final products Ammonia
DAP, MAP, SSP, TSP, FEED AND OTHER PHOSPHATES
The manufacturing process of phosphate fertilizers which involves different ingredients used is shown
in Figure 3 above. In this process, first stage shows that phosphate fertilizer is from phosphate mine
that transforms it into phosphate rock which is then mixed with phosphoric acid and ammonia salts and
gas and as a result, a complete product becomes phosphate fertilizer that is used in the production of
food crops such as maize.
Sulphuric Acid
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Figure 4: Nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing process
Process flow
In this process, natural gas and steam are pumped into a large vessel. Next, air is pumped into the system, and oxygen is removed by the burning of natural gas
and steam. This leaves primarily nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is removed and ammonia is produced by introducing an electric
current into the system. Any impurities are removed from the ammonia, and it is stored in tanks until it is further processed. While ammonia itself is sometimes
used as a fertilizer, it is often converted to other substances for ease of handling. Nitric acid is produced by first mixing ammonia and air in a tank. In the
presence of a catalyst, a reaction occurs which converts the ammonia to nitric oxide. The nitric oxide is further reacted in the presence of water to produce nitric
acid. Nitric acid and ammonia are used to make ammonium nitrate. This material is a good fertilizer component because it has a high concentration of nitrogen.
Natural Gas
Air
Anhydrous
Ammonia
Am
Nitrate
UAN
Solution
Urea
O2 Nitric
Acid
Urea
Liquid Am
Nitrate
UAN
Blending
Granulation
CO2
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The two materials are mixed together in a tank and a neutralization reaction occurs, producing ammonium nitrate. This material can then be stored until it is
ready to be granulated and blended with the other fertilizer components.
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Figure 5: Potash fertilizer manufacturing process
Process flow
Wet potash concentrate
Fines
Dry concentrate
Soluble or Industrial Granular Standard
Solid or Liquid Fertilizer Solid fertilizer Solid fertilizer industrial
Figure 5 above indicates the manufacturing process of different types of potash fertilizers and stages /
phases of manufacturing. The figure further indicates that potash fertilizer is manufactured from ore
from the mines and it is then reduced in size before removing the clay content. The next stage is to
separate potash from salts and wet potash concentrate becomes clear. The watering and drying phase
takes place in preparation for the final stages of different types of potash fertilizer. The next stage of
manufacturing is sizing, compaction and crystallization of the primary product which leads to either
soluble or industrial (solid/ liquid) fertilizer, granular (solid) fertilizer or standard fertiliser.
4. FERTILIZER MARKET AND PRICING
Figure 6 shows average fertilizer prices in South Africa for the period under scrutiny (2007 to 2016).
Prices of all fertilizers experienced a price increase during 2008 season. Average fertilizer prices of
Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) dominated over the past nine years attaining a peak in 2008 at
approximately R13 188.00 per ton. Although there was a sharp decline in average fertilizer prices of
MAP in 2009, positive trends were observed again between 2010 and 2015 to price levels of
Compaction
Ore from mine
Dewatering &
Drying Sizing
Crystallizatio
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Size Reduction Flotation to Separate
Potash from Salt Remove Clay
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approximately R9 564.80 per ton. This represented 19.5% increase in prices of MAP between 2014 and
2015. Prices of MAP however declined slightly by 3% during 2016 season. Potassium Chloride average
prices attained a peak in 2008 at approximately R9 544.92. Prices of Potassium Chloride have been
fairly stable over the past 7 years, maintaining an average of R6 953.17 per ton. The average prices of
Urea (46) and Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) attained their peaks also in 2008 at approximately
R7 408.00. Generally, it is evident from the figure below that between 2010 and 2016, average prices of
fertilizers in South Africa increased although at slow increasing trends. Between 2006 and 2007 and
between 2009 and 2010, average fertilizer prices in South Africa were low and that benefitted farmers
in terms of prices and affordability. However in 2008, farmers had to deal with high average prices
which had an impact on production and farm income. This sharp increase in fertilizer prices in 2007 and
2008 could be attributed to high oil prices, imposed import duties and weaker exchange rate.
Figure 6: South African fertilizer prices, 2007 - 2016
Source: GrainSA
5. LOCAL FERTILIZER PRICES VS INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER PRICES
Tables 2 and 3 below show the relationships between local and international fertilizer prices. It can be
observed from the tables that there exists symmetric price transmission between local prices and
international prices. This mainly due to the fact that domestic prices responded positively to changes in
the international fertilizer prices over the past two years. The tables also show that there is a price gap
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
MAP 5421 13189 5595 6337 7252 7646 7739 8004 9565 9271
LAN 3031 5329 3606 3494 4462 4808 5255 5399 5474 5358
Urea 4275 7408 4913 4382 5640 6173 6181 6258 6311 5834
Potassium Chloride 3509 9544 9615 5924 5988 6827 7049 6784 7287 7005
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between local and international fertilizer prices and this could be largely due to fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the rand and other currencies globally.
Table 2: Local fertilizer prices in Rand terms
Fertilizers March 2017 R/ton
March 2018 R/ton
% CHANGE
LAN (28) 5 527 5 498 -0.5
Urea(46) 6 046 5 847 -3.3
MAP 8 519 8 414 -1.2
Potassium chloride 6 274 6 584 4.9 Source: GrainSA
* Estimated Import parity price (thus the c.i.f. import price plus tariff and transport cost to the purchaser's location)
Table 3: International fertilizer prices in Rand terms
Fertilizers March 2017
R/ton
March 2018
R/ton
% CHANGE
Ammonia 3 904 3 803 -2.6
Urea(46) 3 284 2 764 -15.9
DAP 4 762 4 783 0.5
Potassium chloride 2 849 2 858 0.3
Source: Grain SA * FOB per ton (Rand)
6. EXPORT VOLUMES OF FERTILIZERS
6.1 Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN)
Export volumes of limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) fertilizers from South Africa to the world during
the past ten years are shown in Figure 7. The most important South African LAN destination during the
period under review remains Africa. Almost all of the export volumes of LAN from South Africa to the
world went to Africa followed by minimal exports to the Americas, Europe, Oceania and Asia. It worth
noting that export of LAN to various regions of the world has been unstable during the past ten years..
Exports volumes of LAN to Africa attained a peak in 2007 at approximately 60 076 tons followed by a
94% decrease in 2008. In 2012, exports of LAN to Africa reached its lowest point at approximately 896
tons. There was a 544% increase in export volumes of LAN from South Africa to Africa in 2014 as
compared to 2013 marketing season. During 2016, the LAN exports also increased by 82% when
compared to 2015 season.
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Figure 7: Export volumes of LAN fertilizer to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 8 indicates export volumes of limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) fertilizer to Africa particularly
the SADC region over the past decade. The major export market for LAN fertilizer to SADC was
Malawi, followed by Zimbabwe during most part of the past decade. Export volumes of LAN fertilizer
from South Africa to Zimbabwe attained a peak in 2007 at approximately 45 043 tons. During the
second half of the ten year period, export volumes of LAN fertilizer were from a low base reaching a
maximum of 5 128 tons. In 2008, there were no export volumes of LAN fertilizer to Zimbabwe. Malawi
surpassed Zimbabwe as the top importer of LAN in 2008, which was before Zimbabwe reclaimed in top
position in 2009. There was a 1 300% increase in export volumes of LAN fertilizer to Zimbabwe in 2014
as compared to 2013. During the past four years, Malawi has been the top market for South African
LAN fertilizers, accounting for more than half(54%) of South African total LAN exports to SADC (17 410
tons) in 2016.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Worlds 60110 3855 37688 14478 3330 944 1610 8242 9733 17774
Africa 60076 3825 37022 13938 3330 896 1610 8242 9733 17774
Americas 0 0 598 540 0 0 0 0 0 0
Asia 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Europe 0 0 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oceania 34 0 0 0 0 48 0 0 0 0
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Figure 8: Export volumes of LAN fertilizer to SADC (excluding SACU)
Source: Quantec EasyData
6.2 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP)
Figure 9 represents export volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) fertilizer to the world
between 2007 and 2016 marketing seasons. During the past decade, exports of MAP significantly
unstable. The major export market for MAP fertilizer during the past decade was mainly Africa, followed
by Americas and Oceania over the past decade. During 2016, all MAP exports were desrtined to the
African continent. Export volumes of MAP fertilizer from South Africa to Africa attained a peak in 2015
at 60 654 tons, while export volumes of MAP fertilizers to Americas attained a peak in 2015 at
approximately 33 000 tons. Export volumes of MAP fertilizer from South Africa to Oceania attained a
peak in 2012 at approximately 17 926 tons. In 2015, export to Africa fell significantly from 60 641 tons
to 41 856 tons, a 31% decline when compared to 2015 season. There was an increase of
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 60076 3825 37022 13938 3330 896 1610 8242 9733 17774
SADC (excluding SACU) 60074 3824 37013 11182 2637 258 1245 8016 9368 17410
Angola 0 5 6 0 67 140 93 48 72 134
Democratic Republic of Congo 0 66 235 34 19 34 0 9 24 2018
Malawi 11250 1080 12303 5356 2078 0 92 6185 7160 9404
Mauritius 43 0 190 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mozambique 20 0 4303 0 9 54 0 62 1 84
Zambia 3718 2673 2081 698 433 29 1028 1264 36 1931
Zimbabwe 45043 0 17896 5094 31 1 32 448 2075 3839
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Figure 9: Export volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Export volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) fertilizer to Africa are depicted in Figure 10.
Over the past decade, exports of MAP have been exported mainly to SADC region. Volumes of MAP
fertilizer exports from South Africa to SADC went mainly to Zimbabwe and by Zambia during the period
under observation. Volumes to Zambia were from a high based during the second half (2011-2015) of
the ten year period attaining a peak in 2013 at approximately 31 756 tons. Other notable importers over
the past ten years are Malawi and Mauritius. The countries had very low or minimal volumes of MAP
fertilizer of not more than 10 000 tons per annum over the past ten years. It is also clear from the figure
that there was a 31% decrease in export volumes of MAP fertilizer from South Africa to SADC and
Zambia in 2015 as compared to the 2014 marketing season. Exports to SACU increased significantly
by 50% in 2016 when compared to 2015 season.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 25593 77537 32729 30704 77493 51494 87862 46540 93654 41856
Africa 10590 57537 12671 19692 20011 11959 46804 46540 60654 41856
Americas 15000 0 20034 0 57482 21609 25005 0 33000 0
Asia 0 20000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oceania 3 0 24 11012 0 17926 16053 0 0 0
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Figure 10: Volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) exports to African regions and countries, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
6.3 Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK)
Figure 11 presents export volumes of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers to the
world between 2007 and 2016 marketing seasons. It is clear from the figure 10 below that exports of
NPK have been declining eight years. Most of the exports of NPK fertilizers to the world went to Africa,
followed by minimal export volumes of NPK fertilizers to the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania over
the past ten years. Export volumes of NPK to Africa were from a high base during the first half of the
ten year period (2007-2016) attaining a peak in 2008 at approximately 201 700 tons. There was 15%
decrease in export volumes of NPK fertilizers to Africa in 2016 as compared to 2015 and a fall of 72%
in export volumes of NPK fertilizers to Africa in 2016 compared to 2007.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 10590 57537 12671 19692 20011 11959 46804 46540 60654 41856
SADC (excluding SACU) 10590 57463 12590 19578 19892 11923 46084 45736 59696 40554
Zambia 40 44 5495 5862 4151 9839 31756 27061 30691 20879
Zimbabwe 6335 11674 5574 12954 4650 1144 12332 17867 28859 19366
SACU (Excluding RSA) 0 0 0 113 119 35 720 804 959 1302
Namibia 0 0 0 6 50 1 652 771 505 760
Swaziland 0 0 0 107 35 1 0 0 445 514
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Figure 11: Export volumes of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 12 presents export volumes of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers from South
Africa to Africa particularly the SADC region over the past decade.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 199379 202624 179158 158050 129867 114944 83345 62825 51811 43417
Africa 198244 201700 178697 156328 128924 113752 81572 61744 49531 42091
Americas 784 475 315 1392 622 803 1479 688 1267 932
Asia 201 184 89 257 186 101 54 259 334 174
Europe 5 202 56 14 25 43 99 33 166 157
Oceania 87 62 0 59 111 99 141 101 479 62
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Figure 12: Volume of NPK exports to SADC, SACU and its member states, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Export volumes of NPK fertilizers from South Africa to the SADC went mainly to Zambia, followed by
Zimbabwe and Malawi. Volumes of NPK fertilizers to Zambia were from a high base during the first half
of the ten year period (2007 - 2011) under observation attaining a peak in 2008 at approximately
97 802 tons. Volumes of NPK fertilizers to Zimbabwe were also from a high base during the first half of
the ten year period (2007-2011) under observation attaining a peak in 2007 at approximately 71 952
tons. Exports to Mozambique have been fairly stable during the past ten years averaging 2 197 tons.
There was a 108% increase in export volumes of NPK fertilizers from South Africa to Zambia in 2016 as
compared to the 2015 marketing season. Countries from the SACU block have also been notable
importers of NPK fertilizers from South Africa. In SACU, Swaziland has been the leading importer
during 2016 season. Swaziland was followed by Botswana and Namibia accounting for 30% and 14%
of NPK fertilizer exports to SACU respectively.
6.4 Potassium Chloride
Figure 13 presents export volumes of potassium chloride from South Africa to the world during the past
decade. Most of the exports of potassium chloride from South Africa went to Africa, followed by very
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 198244201700178697156328128924113752 81572 61744 49531 42091
SADC (excluding SACU) 197741199833175553143605111411106916 70971 44954 27061 25764
Democratic Republic of the Congo 16 261 2837 1570 1381 1489 2518 1763 4631 2357
Mozambique 4756 2549 2878 4500 1212 331 644 3114 396 1591
Zambia 64140 97802 61773 71084 64713 55136 21829 8530 8943 18637
Zimbabwe 71952 62893 67605 53431 43047 44597 35817 31091 12900 2422
SACU (Excluding RSA) 0 0 0 11442 17451 6591 10471 15844 22319 16098
Botswana 0 0 0 1813 589 1249 4089 6979 19455 4909
Namibia 0 0 0 724 49 58 17 108 354 2277
Swaziland 0 0 0 8542 16721 5226 6356 8371 2481 8241
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Figure 12: Volume of NPK exports to SADC, SACU and its member states
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minimal exports of potassium chloride to Europe between 2007 and 2016. South African KCL exports to
the world were unstable during the period under review. However, exports to Africa were from a high
base during the first three year period (2007-2009) of the decade under review. During period between
2010 and 2012, exports of KCL were at their lowest, reaching trough at 1 304 in 2012 and attaining a
peak in 2015 at 25 824 tons.In 2015, almost all (99.9%) KCL exports from South Africa went to Africa.
The remaining went to the European region. There was a 7% decrease in export volumes of potassium
chloride from South Africa to Africa in 2016.
Figure 13: Export volumes of Potassium Chloride to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 14 presents export volumes of potassium chloride from South Africa to Africa particularly the
SADC region over the past decade. It is clear from figure 14 below that exports of KCL fertilizers to
Africa, mainly went to SADC region. Export volumes of potassium chloride from South Africa to SADC
went mainly to Zimbabwe, followed by Zambia and Angola. Exports to SADC and it member states
have been fair unstable during the period under review. Exports to Zimbabwe declined rapidly between
2007 and 2012, moving from 11 795 tons in 2007 to 255 tons in 2012. Zambia followed the same
trends until reaching a trough of 2 tons in 2012. Between 2013 and 2016, export to Zimbabwe and
Zambia increased by 1 796% and 1 979% respectively. Exports to SACU region mainly destined for
Swaziland. Other notable importers of KCL fertilizer from South Africa are Namibia and Botswana, but
usually register minimal quantities.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 19766 9551 21870 7978 7618 1313 9672 9105 25824 24118
Africa 19766 9551 21831 6954 7618 1304 9672 9105 25824 24110
Europe 0 0 15 1000 0 0 0 0 0 8
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Figure 14: Export volumes of KCL fertilizer to SADC, SACU and member states, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
6.5 Potassium Sulphate
Figure 15 shows export volumes of potassium sulphate from South Africa to the world between 2007
and 2016.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 19766 9551 21831 6954 7618 1304 9672 9105 25824 24110
SADC (excluding SACU) 19763 9487 10381 6708 7549 886 9345 7414 22344 20547
Angola 0 178 0 0 300 336 8268 4118 2372 893
Mozambique 61 1507 116 43 473 261 90 256 232 486
Zambia 7933 35 7044 3660 4128 2 353 1050 10125 7338
Zimbabwe 11759 7583 1575 1986 2638 255 619 1981 9430 11730
SACU (Excluding RSA) 0 0 0 241 68 298 325 257 3167 3558
Botswana 0 0 0 13 39 98 8 0 31 232
Namibia 0 0 0 32 13 97 218 35 41 87
Swaziland 0 0 0 196 16 103 98 221 3092 3240
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Figure 15: Export volumes of Potassium Sulphate to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
It is clear from Figure 15 that export volumes of potassium sulphate to the world went mainly to Africa,
followed by minimal export volumes to Europe. Export of Potassium Sulphate to the world, diminished
between 2007 and 2010, recording a 71% decline. During the period between 2013 and 2015 export
volumes of potassium sulphate to the world and African continent were fairly stable. In 2016, export to
Africa increased exponentially by 157% compared to 2015 season. During the past decade African
Potassium Sulphate exports reached a maximum of approximately 8 291 tons in 2007. Europe only
managed to import potassium sulphate from South Africa in 2009 and 2010 at an export quantity of 762
and 68 tons respectively.
Figure 16 below illustrates export volumes of potassium sulphate from South Africa to the SADC region
over the past ten years. The major export market for potassium sulphate from South Africa to SADC
was Zimbabwe, followed by Zambia and to a lesser extent by Angola and DRC. On average, South
Africa exported 2 835 tons of potassium sulphate to Zimbabwe over the past decade. Exports of
potassium sulphate from South Africa to Zimbabwe attained a peak in 2006 at approximately 7 889
tons in the first half of the ten year period (2007-2011). During the second half of the ten-year period
(2011-2015), exports of potassium sulphate to Zimbabwe were from a low base attaining a maximum of
about 3 223 tons in 2011, however in 2016, exports to Zimbabwe registered a 212% increase.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 8363 3774 4078 2498 4110 2251 3525 2783 3022 7777
Africa 8291 3774 3316 2430 4110 2251 3525 2783 3022 7777
Europe 0 0 762 68 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Figure 16: Export volumes of Potassium Sulphate to SADC and member states, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
6.6 Superphosphate
Figure 17 presents export quantities of superphosphate fertilizers from South Africa to the world during
the past decade. The only export market for superphosphate fertilizer during the past decade was
Africa, mainly the SADC region. On average, South Africa exported 4 704 tons of superphosphate
fertilizer to Africa over the past decade. Export volumes of superphosphate from South Africa to Africa
were from a high base during the first half of the ten year period (2007-2011) attaining a peak in 2010
at export quantity of 11 658. There was a 68% decrease in export quantity of superphosphate fertilizer
from South Africa to Africa in 2016.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 8291 3774 3316 2430 4110 2251 3525 2783 3022 7777
SADC (excluding SACU) 8147 3774 3101 1900 3815 2148 3334 2366 2800 7637
Angola 0 0 2 24 41 26 0 0 0 1010
Democratic Republic of the Congo 2 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 702 613
Zambia 111 82 1206 555 399 123 1088 174 491 1210
Zimbabwe 7889 3664 1840 423 3223 1621 1424 2033 1512 4722
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Figure 17: Export volumes of Superphosphate to the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Export volumes of superphosphate fertilizer from South Africa to the SADC region are shown in Figure
18 below.
Figure 18: Export volumes of Superphosphate to SADC and SACU, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 305 577 10732 11658 5880 4198 5216 4921 1364 2291
Africa 305 577 10732 11658 5880 4096 5216 4921 1364 2291
0
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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Africa 305 577 10732 11658 5880 4096 5216 4921 1364 2291
SADC (excluding SACU) 304 577 3732 10559 3296 1243 1819 3992 643 1720
Angola 0 5 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 106
Democratic Republic of the Congo 0 0 6 0 0 0 96 3 42 300
Zambia 64 30 0 30 1037 0 0 0 219 239
Zimbabwe 0 132 3487 10267 2183 1038 1623 3818 273 1074
SACU (Excluding RSA) 0 0 0 1099 2584 2853 3398 929 721 572
Swaziland 0 0 0 884 2344 2667 3325 792 707 482
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Most of superphosphate fertilizer exports from South Africa to SADC went to Zimbabwe, followed by
minimal exports to Zambia, Angola and DRC. On average, South Africa exported 2 390 tons of
superphosphate fertilizer to Zimbabwe over the past ten years. Export volumes of superphosphate
fertilizers to Zimbabwe were from a high base during the second half of the ten year period (2012-2016)
attaining a peak in 2010 at approximately 10 267 tons. Exports to Angola and DRC were very low and
not more than 700 tons per annum. There was a 32% decrease in exports of superphosphate fertilizers
from South Africa to Zimbabwe in 2016 as compared to 2015.
7. IMPORT VOLUMES OF FERTILIZERS
7.1 Urea
Import volumes of Urea fertilizers from the world into South Africa over the past ten years are shown in
Figure 19. Most of the Urea fertilizers from the world into South Africa over the past decade were
mainly from Asia, followed by minimal import volumes from Europe and Africa. On average, South
Africa imported 714 908 tons of Urea fertilizer from Asia over the past ten years. Imports of Urea
fertilizers from Asia into South Africa were from a low base during the first half of the ten year period
(2007-2011) attaining a maximum of 656 694 tons in 2010 while the imports were from a high base
during the second half of the ten year period (2011-2015) attaining a peak in 2014 at an import volume
of approximately 865 600 tons. Imports from Europe and Africa were very intermittent over the same
ten year period under review. There was a 38% increase in import volumes of Urea from Asia into
South Africa during 2016 as compared to 2015.
25
Figure 19: Import volumes of Urea fertilizers from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 20 presents import volumes of Urea fertilizers from Western Asia into South Africa during the
past decade. Saudi Arabia was the major supplier for Urea fertilizers imported by South Africa, followed
by Qatar between 2007 and 2016 marketing season. On average, South Africa imported 269 504 tons
of Urea fertilizers from Saudi Arabia over the past ten years. Imports from Saudi Arabia into South
Africa attained a peak in 2007 at approximately 336 054 tons. On average, South Africa imported 237
760 tons of Urea fertilizers from Qatar over the past decade. Imports from Qatar into South Africa
attained a peak in 2016 at approximately 309 983 tons. In 2016, there was a 34% and 73% increase in
import volumes of urea fertilizers into South Africa from Qatar and Saudi Arabia respectively.. There
was a 3% decline in import volumes of urea fertilizers from United Arab Emirates into South Africa
during 2016 as compared to 2015 marketing season.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 661196 620192 522456 678981 773938 800821 646071 905000 662789 877638
Africa 3226 6753 125 144 63 65 0 32 151 15015
Americas 67 261 4637 152 95 125 174 18 36 42
Asia 560634 539208 509315 656694 679573 745813 598290 865600 604431 831759
Europe 97146 73859 7615 21951 94207 54818 47606 39308 58170 30822
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Figure 20: Import volumes of Urea fertilizers from Western Asia, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
7.2 Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN)
Figure 21 presents import volumes of Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) fertilizers from the world into
South Africa between 2007 and 2016 marketing seasons. The major supplier of LAN fertilizers from the
world into South Africa was Europe, followed by minimal import volumes from Asia, Americas and
Africa to a lesser extend over the past decade. On average, South Africa imported 94 054 tons of LAN
fertilizers from Europe over the past ten years. Imports from Europe into South Africa attained a peak in
2008 and again in 2013 at approximately 151 046 and 146 828 tons respectively. Imports of LAN from
Europe to South Africa were unstable during the past decade, Africa only supplied LAN to South Africa
once during the past decade in 2011, and Americas are also inconsistent and lesser supplier of LAN to
South Africa. In 2015, Imports of LAN from Europe into South Africa increased by more than 100% in
2016 after successive two year decline. Within Europe, the major supplier region of LAN is the
European Union. Figure 22 below disaggregates the region.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Asia 560634 539208 509315 656694 679573 745813 598290 865600 604431 831759
Western Asia 558304 512598 507612 601114 638403 694316 567734 595535 578373 783075
Qatar 204069 234262 175277 201145 243469 281547 262787 234337 230719 309983
Saudi Arabia 336054 261459 277477 327638 279318 310552 191792 206714 184444 319594
United Arab Emirates 0 0 0 10283 26600 35130 60500 44656 141253 137499
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Figure 21: Import volumes of LAN fertilizers from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 22 shows import volumes of Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) fertilizers from the European
Union into South Africa over the past ten years. The major supplier of LAN fertilizers from European
Union into South Africa was from the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium over the past ten years. In
2016, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium accounted all (100%) LAN imports to South Africa from the
European Union. The Eastern Europe also accounted for 45% of all LAN imports to South Africa. In
Eastern Europe, all imports of LAN destined to South Africa came from Russian Federation. On
average, South Africa imported 33 286 tons of LAN fertilizers from the Netherlands over the past ten
years. Import volumes of LAN fertilizers from the Netherlands into South Africa attained a peak in 2011
at approximately 77 610 tons, while import volumes of LAN fertilizers from Germany attained a peak in
2013 at approximately 60 205 tons and those from Russia peaked in 2016 at 52 626 tons. There was a
53% increase in import volumes of LAN fertilizers from Netherlands into South Africa during 2016 as
compared to 2015. Imports from Russia and Germany increased by 857% and 3 960% respectively
2016.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 66083 164462 25652 104834 131625 35020 145957 87813 58465 120630
Africa 0 0 0 0 1811 0 0 0 0 0
Americas 0 13200 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0
Asia 0 216 200 325 7424 0 3330 2024 3895 3259
Europe 66083 151046 25452 104509 122368 35020 142628 85790 54570 117371
0
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Figure 22: Import volumes of LAN from EU and Eastern Europe, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
7.3 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP)
Import volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) fertilizers from the world into South Africa are
depicted in Figure 23. Most of the import volumes of MAP fertilizers from the world into South Africa
during the period under scrutiny were mainly from Europe, followed by Asia and minimal import
volumes from Americas and Africa. On average, South Africa imported 43 736 tons of MAP fertilizers
from Europe over the past decade. Imports from Europe into South Africa attained a peak in 2015 at
approximately 88599 tons, while imports from Asia into South Africa attained a peak also in 2015 at
approximately 98 224 tons. There was 56% drop in export volumes of MAP fertilizers from Europe into
South Africa during 2016 as compared to 2015.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Europe 66083 151046 25452 104509 122368 35020 142628 85790 54570 117371
Eastern Europe 0 87966 0 19667 11177 0 16200 4988 5497 52626
Russian Federation 0 0 0 19667 11177 0 16200 4988 5497 52626
European Union 63265 62168 25452 84842 111190 35020 126428 80802 47873 64745
Belgium 35364 20230 17828 12510 14777 7907 7704 6306 13817 2006
Greece 16500 0 0 1980 16500 0 3600 0 0 0
Netherlands 11401 0 4474 67082 77610 26937 37568 34181 29140 44470
Romania 0 40968 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Spain 0 0 0 0 0 0 17350 0 0 0
Germany 0 970 3150 1370 2122 176 60205 23844 450 18269
Latvia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16470 4466 0
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Figure 23: Import volumes of MAP fertilizer from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Figure 24 illustrates import volumes of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) fertilizers from European
regions and its member states into South Africa over the past ten years.
Figure 24: Import volumes of MAP fertilizer from Europe, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
As it can be seen from the figure above (Figure 21), all imports of MAP fertilizers originates from
Eastern Europe in particular the Russian Federation.. Between 2007 and 2009, European Union, in
particular Netherlands, Belgium and France were one of the major suppliers of MAP fertilizers into
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 68723 93501 36942 18074 125686 139434 92446 169972 260727 147361
Africa 0 0 0 0 0 42758 12600 1528 65512 96350
Americas 9440 9670 5045 18 0 20913 5961 0 8392 5
Asia 53613 78542 7270 3852 68898 14227 5502 95357 98224 11835
Europe 5670 5290 24627 14204 56789 61536 68383 73087 88599 39171
0
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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Europe 5670 5290 24627 14204 56789 61536 68383 73087 88599 39171
Eastern Europe 2430 3361 0 14096 56242 61530 68378 19601 88591 39165
Russian Federation 2430 3361 0 13596 56242 61530 68378 19601 88591 39165
0
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South Africa. With the exception 2009, Russia has been the major supplier. On average, South Africa
imported 35 289 tons of MAP fertilizers from Russian Federation over the past decade. Imports from
Russian Federation into South Africa were from a high base during the second half of the ten year
period (2011-2016) under review attaining a peak in 2015 at approximately 88 591 tons. Between 2006
and 2009, import volumes of MAP fertilizers from the Russian Federation into South Africa were low
and not more than 30 000 tons per annum. There was a 56% decrease in import volumes of MAP
fertilizers from the Russian Federation into South Africa during 2016 as compared to 2015.
7.4 Potassium Sulphate
Import volumes of potassium sulphate from the world into South Africa over the past ten years are
shown in Figure 25. The major supplier of potassium sulphate fertilizers from the world into South Africa
was Europe, followed by the Americas and Asia over the same period under examination. Americas
surpassed Europe as the leading supplier of South African Potassium Sulphate on two occasions that
is in 2009 and 2012 while Asia claimed the top spot in 2014 and 2016. On average, South Africa
imported 23 599 tons of potassium sulphate fertilizers from Europe over the past ten years. Imports
from Europe into South Africa attained a peak in 2013 at approximately 43 513 tons, while imports from
the Americas into South Africa attained a peak in 2012 at approximately 32 460 tons. Imports from Asia
into South Africa attained a peak in 2014 at approximately 34 519 tons. It is also clear from Figure 25
that there was a 14.5% decline in import volumes of potassium sulphate from Europe into South Africa
during 2016 as compared to 2015 while those from Americas and Asia increased by 412% and 79%
respectively during the same period.
31
Figure 25: Import volumes of Potassium Sulphate from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Import volumes of potassium sulphate from European Union, South America and Eastern Asia into
South Africa over the past decade are illustrated in Figure 26. Most of potassium sulphate fertilizer
imports from the European Union into South Africa were from Germany, followed by Belgium over the
past ten year period under review. Other dominant suppliers over the period under review was Eastern
Asia and South America regions. In the Eastern Asia, China, Taiwan and Republic of Korea have been
dominant counties that supplied South Africa with potassium sulphate fertilizer. In 2016, according to
ranks, Germany was the top supplier followed by China and Chile. On average, South Africa imported
17 131 tons of potassium sulphate fertilizers from Germany over the past decade. Imports from
Germany into South Africa attained a peak in 2008 at approximately 30 339 tons, while imports from
China into South Africa attained a peak in 2014 at approximately 26 645 tons. There was a less than
one percent decline in import volumes of potassium sulphate fertilizers from Germany into South Africa
during 2016 as compared to 2015 while those from China and Chile increased by 16% and 303%
respectively.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 38764 46607 24009 46175 52620 60675 50468 65268 39740 60463
Africa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 805
Americas 24570 13182 20151 20131 21806 32460 3423 3376 3000 15365
Asia 49 1065 0 2887 5060 5042 3532 34519 13695 24606
Europe 14145 32360 3858 23157 25754 23098 43513 27373 23045 19687
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Figure 26: Import volumes of Potassium Sulphate from EU, South America and Eastern Asia countries, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
7.5 Potassium Chloride
Import volumes of potassium chloride from the world into South Africa during the past ten years are
depicted in Figure 27.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
South America 24570 13181 20151 20124 21806 32460 3423 3376 3000 12103
Chile 24570 13181 20151 20124 21806 32460 3423 3376 3000 12103
Eastern Asia 1 576 0 1558 4285 3592 1620 28907 13403 23346
China 1 115 0 0 208 295 72 26650 10493 12178
Taiwan Province of China 0 384 0 1224 1032 1307 948 2012 2910 7281
Republic of Korea 0 77 0 334 3045 1990 600 245 0 3888
Europe 14145 32360 3858 23157 25754 23098 43513 27373 23045 19687
European Union 14145 31601 3858 22337 24705 22026 43020 27373 23045 19687
Belgium 1626 1054 2838 12371 1855 7243 13888 3336 5182 3303
Germany 11878 30339 1016 9936 22846 14779 26645 21323 16299 16248
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Figure 27: Import volumes of Potassium Chloride from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
The major supplier for potassium chloride fertilizers from the world into South Africa in the past ten yes
was Europe, followed by Asia, Americas and minimal import volumes from Africa. On average, South
Africa imported 106 808 tons of potassium chloride fertilizers from Europe between 2007 and 2016
marketing seasons. Import volumes of potassium chloride from Europe into South Africa have been
fairly stable, averaging 106 808 and attaining a peak in 2008 at approximately 150 728 tons. Imports
from Asia into South Africa attained a peak in 2014 at approximately 128 428 tons. There was a 17%
decrease in import volumes of potassium chloride from Europe into South Africa during 2016 as
compared to 2015.
Figure 28 presents import volumes of potassium chloride fertilizers from the European Union, South
America and Western Asia into South Africa over the past ten years. The three regions have been the
top exports of potassium chloride to South Africa of the past decade. Most of the potassium chloride
fertilizers from the European Union into South Africa were mainly from Germany, followed by very
minimal imports from Netherlands over the same period under scrutiny while those from South Africa
have been coming solely from Chile. In the Western Asian region, Israel and Jordan have been the
main suppliers of potassium chloride fertilizer into South Africa. On average, South Africa imported 87
548 tons, 82 104 tons and 46 370 tons of potassium chloride fertilizers from Chile, Germany and Israel
respectively between 2007 and 2016 marketing seasons. Imports from Chile and Jordan into South
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 255445 271402 139592 267446 267119 251310 274086 381512 377358 335422
Africa 0 0 0 800 0 196 285 557 0 308
Americas 28306 13604 60238 78732 90719 95421 112213 134410 135362 126840
Asia 112725 107050 18910 97564 82728 60755 59270 128413 108816 98225
Europe 114414 150728 60420 90324 93672 94938 102318 118132 133181 110048
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Africa were from a high base during the second half of the ten year period (2011-2016) under review
both attaining a peaks in 2015 at approximately 135 362 tons and 90 800 tons respectively. There was
a 6% and 26% decrease in import volumes of potassium chloride fertilizers from Chile and Jordan
respectively in 2016. Imports from Germany and Israel increase by 10% and 48% respectively during
the same period.
Figure 28: Import volumes of Potassium Chloride from South America, EU and Western Asia countries, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
7.6 Superphosphate
Figure 29 presents import volumes of superphosphate fertilizers from the world into South Africa over
the past decade. The major supplying market for superphosphate fertilizers from the world into South
Africa was Asia, followed by very minimal imports from Africa and Europe over the same period under
review. On average, South Africa imported tons of superphosphate fertilizers from Asia between 2006
and 2015 marketing seasons. Imports from Asia into South Africa attained a peak in 2008 at
approximately 58 698 tons. There were no imports of superphosphate fertilizers from Africa into South
Africa between 2007 and 2009 while Europe did not register any exports to South Africa in 2009, 2010,
2013 and 2014. Imports from Asia have been fairly stable between 2009 and 2016. In 2016, import
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
South America 28306 13604 60238 78728 90653 95421 112205 134410 135362 126557
Chile 28306 13604 60238 78728 90653 95420 112205 134410 135362 126557
Western Asia 112725 106800 18695 95763 82695 60681 59025 125315 108366 97300
Israel 90125 82674 18662 69263 54562 33954 19416 51374 17566 26100
Jordan 20000 24126 0 18150 28133 26728 39610 73942 90800 67200
Netherlands 3800 0 0 21 0 1900 0 0 0 4006
Germany 110613 106987 55885 47833 85321 75715 72535 83960 86614 95577
0
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volumes of superphosphate fertilizers from Asia into South Africa increased by 1.6% as compared to
2015.
Figure 29: Import volumes of Superphosphate from the world, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
Import volumes of superphosphate fertilizers from Western and Eastern Asia into South Africa during
the past ten years are indicated in Figure 30. The major supplying market for superphosphate fertilizers
from Western Asia into South Africa was Israel and China in the Eastern Asian region. On average,
South Africa imported 18 669 tons of superphosphate fertilizers from Israel between 2007 and 2016.
Imports from Israel into South Africa attained a peak in 2008 at approximately 51 948 tons. During the
second half of the ten year period (2010-2016), imports from Israel into South Africa were stable,
averaging 16 132 tons. There was a 41% increase in import volumes of superphosphate fertilizers from
Israel into South Africa during 2016 as compared to 2015.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
World 17527 72986 9072 26484 24363 32197 22631 24843 24655 24316
Africa 0 14000 0 7176 4051 11610 1000 2200 5860 5
Americas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Asia 15608 58698 9072 19308 19812 17887 21631 22643 13264 13483
Europe 1919 288 0 0 500 2700 0 0 5500 10828
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Figure 30: Import volumes of Superphosphate from Asian regions and member countries, 2007 - 2016
Source: Quantec EasyData
8. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
Strengths
Financial leverage – ability for farmers to use debt to expand business and increase profits;
Customer loyalty- customers are loyal to manufacturer/blender according to additional service
provided;
Customer services manufacturers/blenders often supply technical assistance;
Brand name- consumers place value in the brand name.
Opportunities
Online market- online markets offers the industry to expand by reaching much broader
audience;
Innovation – space remains for innovations to produce unique products or service that meet
customer needs;
Loosening regulations- South Africa ‘s fertilizer industry operates in a free market;
New markets- a great opportunity are the African countries and exports to India, Japan and
Columbia.; and
Weaknesses
High debt burden – A total growth in total farm debt;
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Asia 15608 58698 9072 19308 19812 17887 21631 22643 13264 13483
Eastern Asia 0 4000 0 184 0 0 1512 6959 4234 715
China 0 4000 0 184 0 0 1512 6959 4234 715
Western Asia 15608 51948 9044 19124 19812 17887 20119 15684 9030 12768
Israel 15608 51948 6214 17624 19812 17887 20119 15684 9030 12768
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Out-dated technology- South Africa’s infrastructure that is used to produce primary fertiliser
materials is very old and very expensive to replace;
Weak supply chain - a highly concentrated fertiliser supply chain;
Threats
Volatile currency- price differences are also caused by factors such as the volatile exchange
rate;
Natural factors -Seasonal variations are caused by regional droughts and short term
fluctuations in the financial position of the farm sector;
Intense competition- The South African fertilizer market face stiff competition from overseas
countries;
Volatile revenue - fertilizer is a vitally important determinant of the profitability; and
Political risk- policy uncertainty and political will to invest fertilizer exploration and capacity
expansion programmes.
9. ROLE PLAYERS IN THE FERTILZER INDUSTRY
Table 4: Key Stakeholders
Fertilizer industries
Type of fertilizers
Physical Address
Postal Address
Telephone number
Email address
8.1 Kynoch Liquid, Granular and water soluble fertilizers
Ross street Johannesburg 2125 South Africa
011 317 2000 [email protected]
8.2 Sasol Granular and Liquid fertilizers
1 Sturdee Avenue Rosebank Johannesburg(SA) 2196
P.O Box 5486 Johannesburg(SA) 2000
011 441 3111
8.3 Omnia (Nutriology-Nutrilogie)
Liquid, Granular and specialty fertilizers
Omonia house Epsom Downs office park 13 Sloane st Bryanston
P.O .Box 69888 Bryanston 2021
011 709 8888 [email protected]
8.4 Profert Granular and Liquid fertilizers
43 Ross street Potchefstroom North West (SA) 2531
018 293 3530 [email protected]
8.5 TRIOMF Granular, Liquid and
TRIOMF road Potchefstroom
P.O Box 505 Potchefstroom
086 187 4663/ 018 285 1291
38
Fertilizer industries
Type of fertilizers
Physical Address
Postal Address
Telephone number
Email address
Specialty fertilizers
2531 North West (SA)
2520
8.6 Nutri-flo Granular and Liquid fertilizers
P.O Box 242 Umhlali 4390
032 947 0211 [email protected]
8.7 Greenlands
2 Michelin street, N.W 7 Vanderbijlpark 1911
P.O Box 6852 Vanderbijlpark 1900
016 986 0130 [email protected]
8.9Nitrophoska (PTY) Ltd
Liquid, Granular and other fertilizers
Showgrown, George 6529,SA Western Cape
P.O Box 1138 George 6530
044 873 6221/ 044 873 6261
8.10 Jara Liquid and Granular fertilizers
5167 Russel street George 6529 SA Western Cape
044 514 3185
10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following organizations are acknowledged:
9.1 Quantec Easy Data
www.easydata.co.za
9.2 Grain SA
www.grainsa.co.za
9.3 Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA)
www.fertasa.co.za
9.4 Statistical and Economic Analysis, DAFF
www.daff.gov.za