Prepare for the season ahead: supply chains impacted

The effects of the conflict in the Middle East continue to be felt across global agricultural supply chains. Disruption to key trade routes, shipping and energy markets can affect the movement of agricultural inputs, including fertilisers and the raw materials required to manufacture them. 

The impact on global trade has been significant. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), global exports of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers each fell by around 9% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. 

While fertiliser prices have eased from their initial peaks, affordability remains a significant challenge for farmers worldwide. Crop prices and farm margins have not improved sufficiently to restore purchasing power, leaving many growers under continued financial pressure. Looking ahead, the prospect of El Niño also adds another layer of uncertainty, with potential implications for weather patterns, crop development and agricultural production. 

Beyond the availability of fertiliser itself, a key challenge is ensuring products can move efficiently through the entire supply chain. Importing raw materials, manufacturing, storing, processing, packaging and transporting products all require time and capacity. With demand concentrated around seasonal application windows, delays or a late surge in orders could place additional pressure on the system and create bottlenecks in getting products to farms when they are needed. 

We recognise the importance of reliability for our partners and the growers they support, particularly when margins are tight and planning decisions carry greater weight. By working closely with our distribution partners and preparing for seasonal demand, we aim to provide continuity and confidence as the new season approaches. 

At IntraCrop, we have taken proactive steps to prepare for the season ahead, securing our raw material stocks to support continued product availability during this uncertain period. Our operations team is working relentlessly to coordinate production and deliveries. By planning ahead, we are working to minimise potential disruption and maintain the supply of our products to the markets and partners we work with.  

Planning ahead is key. We encourage our customers and distribution partners to place orders early to support seasonal planning and help ensure timely delivery. By working together and preparing in advance, we can navigate ongoing uncertainty and continue supporting growers across the globe. 

 

 

 

 

 

23rd October 2026