Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) price December 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$0.31/KG, unchanged
- Europe:US$0.23/KG, unchanged
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Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) price index
This post is a summary of the Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) price developments. The price developments of Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) price index
What is Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)
Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) is a liquid fertilizer solution that contains a mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate. It is a commonly used nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture, as nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development.
Urea is a white crystalline substance that is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in the world. It is composed of 46% nitrogen, which is released slowly as it is hydrolyzed in the soil. Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline compound that is also widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer. It contains 34% nitrogen, and the nitrogen is released quickly upon contact with moisture in the soil.
The combination of urea and ammonium nitrate in UAN provides a balanced release of nitrogen, with some of the nitrogen being released quickly and some being released more slowly over time. This helps to promote healthy plant growth and development, as well as improve crop yield. UAN is typically applied to crops as a foliar spray or through irrigation systems.
How is Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) produced
Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) is produced by combining urea and ammonium nitrate in a liquid solution. The process typically involves the following steps:
Production of Urea
Urea is typically produced by reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature, in a process called the Haber-Bosch process. This produces anhydrous (dry) urea.
Production of Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is typically produced by reacting ammonia with nitric acid, which produces ammonium nitrate as a white crystalline solid.
Mixing Urea and Ammonium Nitrate
The anhydrous urea and ammonium nitrate are mixed together in a tank with water to form a UAN solution. The proportions of urea and ammonium nitrate in the solution can vary, but commonly the ratio is 28% nitrogen as ammonium and 22% as urea, giving a total of 46% nitrogen in the UAN solution.
Stabilization
UAN is a solution with a tendency to undergo hydrolysis, particularly in warm weather. To prevent hydrolysis and loss of ammonia, stabilizers are typically added to the solution to prolong its shelf-life. Formaldehyde, dimethylurea, and ammonium thiosulfate are among the most common stabilizers.
Storage
The UAN solution is stored in tanks, typically made of stainless steel, plastic or fiberglass.
Transportation
UAN can be transported in bulk by truck, rail, or barge to locations where it is needed, such as agricultural fields or fertilizer distributors.
Overall, the production of UAN is a relatively simple process that involves mixing two dry fertilizers with water to form a liquid solution, with the addition of stabilizers to prevent hydrolysis and prolong shelf-life.
Which countries produce the most Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)
The production of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) is a global industry, with several countries being major producers. According to data from the International Fertilizer Association, the top five UAN producing countries in the world are:
United States
The US is the largest producer of UAN, with an estimated production of over 10 million metric tons in 2020. The US is a major exporter of UAN, with significant volumes being shipped to Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Russia
Russia is the second-largest producer of UAN, with an estimated production of around 4.5 million metric tons in 2020. Most of Russia’s UAN production is consumed domestically, although some volumes are exported to other countries.
China
China is the third-largest producer of UAN, with an estimated production of around 3.5 million metric tons in 2020. China is also a significant importer of UAN, particularly from the US.
Canada
Canada is the fourth-largest producer of UAN, with an estimated production of around 2.5 million metric tons in 2020. Most of Canada’s UAN production is consumed domestically, with some volumes being exported to the US.
Ukraine
Ukraine is the fifth-largest producer of UAN, with an estimated production of around 1.5 million metric tons in 2020. Ukraine is a significant exporter of UAN, particularly to other European countries.
Other countries with significant UAN production include Brazil, India, and Pakistan. The demand for UAN is influenced by several factors, including crop production trends, government policies, and fertilizer prices.
What types of UAN are there
Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) is available in a few different types, distinguished by their nitrogen content and ratio of urea to ammonium nitrate. The most common types of UAN are:
28-0-0
This type of UAN contains 28% nitrogen, all in the form of ammonium, and no phosphorus or potassium. It is typically used as a foliar spray on crops, as it provides a quick source of nitrogen to boost plant growth and development.
30-0-0
This type of UAN contains 30% nitrogen, all in the form of ammonium, and no phosphorus or potassium. It is commonly used as a soil-applied fertilizer to provide a balanced source of nitrogen to crops over time.
32-0-0
This type of UAN contains 32% nitrogen, all in the form of ammonium, and no phosphorus or potassium. It is commonly used as a starter fertilizer for crops, as it provides a quick source of nitrogen to promote early growth and development.
28-0-0-5S
This type of UAN contains 28% nitrogen, all in the form of ammonium, and 5% sulfur in the form of ammonium sulfate. The addition of sulfur helps to improve the availability of other nutrients in the soil, such as phosphorus, and can also improve soil pH.
The choice of UAN type depends on the specific needs of the crop and the soil conditions. Some crops require more nitrogen than others, and the ratio of urea to ammonium nitrate can affect the release rate of nitrogen in the soil. Other factors to consider include the timing and method of application, as well as the presence of other nutrients in the soil.
How big is the Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) market
The global UAN market size is influenced by a variety of factors, including crop production trends, availability of raw materials, and government policies related to agriculture and fertilizer use. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global UAN market size was estimated at approximately 18.5 million metric tons in 2020, and is projected to reach a size of around 22 million metric tons by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3% during the forecast period.
The demand for UAN is driven by the need for high-efficiency fertilizers that can improve crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. This has led to an increased adoption of UAN in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. North America is the largest market for UAN, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The U.S. is the largest producer and consumer of UAN globally, due to its large agricultural industry and high crop yields.
Overall, the global UAN market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by rising demand for food and increasing awareness of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Urea-ammonium nitrate mixes in solution, pack >10 kg are the world’s 1707th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Urea-ammonium nitrate mixes in solution, pack >10 kg were Russia ($213M), Trinidad and Tobago ($197M), Netherlands ($140M), Lithuania ($129M), and United States ($124M).
In 2020, the top importers of Urea-ammonium nitrate mixes in solution, pack >10 kg were United States ($371M), France ($278M), Argentina ($84.7M), United Kingdom ($80.3M), and Australia ($52.8M).
Further reading
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