Between January 2022 and May 2024, ammonium nitrate ranked third in fertilizer imports in the Republic of Moldova, after urea and NPK. However, in the first five months of 2024, ammonium nitrate became the most imported fertilizer, accounting for 32.1% of the total, according to an analysis by Iurie Rija, Executive Director of the Association of Agricultural and Cereal Exporters and Importers “Agrocereale.”
Ammonium nitrate is appreciated for its efficiency because of its high nitrogen content (around 34%), prompt and continuous plant availability, and high solubility, which allows for uniform application and adaptability to various weather conditions. These features make ammonium nitrate one of the primary fertilizers imported into Moldova.
“Imports of ammonium nitrate saw a significant increase in 2023, with the imported volume reaching 54,180 tons and an average price of 10.18 lei per kilogram. In comparison to 2022, when 22,500 tons were imported, the volume in 2023 was 2.4 times higher, and the average price dropped by 20.5%, from 12.8 lei/kg in 2022 to 10.18 lei/kg in 2023,” Rija says.
In the first five months of 2024, Moldova imported 33,800 tons of ammonium nitrate, showing a faster growth rate compared to 2023 and 2022. The average import price of this fertilizer in 2024 is 7.70 lei/kg, going down by 24.4% from the previous year.
Between January and May 2024, the top three importers of ammonium nitrate are “PIRAMIDA-MARKET” SRL with 6,500 tons, followed by “AGROSTOC” CI with 6,000 tons, and “Transfer-Impex” with 5,232 tons.
According to Iurie Rija, the analysis of countries exporting ammonium nitrate shows a positive diversification of suppliers. Romania and Bulgaria have become significant suppliers, replacing Russia. In 2024, Romania offers ammonium nitrate at an average price of 7.60 lei/kg, and Bulgaria at 7.78 lei/kg, compared to the average price from Russia, which is 8.20 lei/kg.
This diversification and decrease in average import prices support Moldovan agriculture, ensuring access to quality fertilizers at lower costs.