Apr 13, 2025
Italy Superphosphate Imports
In 2024, overseas purchases of superphosphates increased by 34% to 64K tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at 74K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, superphosphate imports surged to $22M (IndexBox estimates) in 2024. Over the period under review, total imports indicated moderate growth from 2014 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, imports increased by +86.9% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
Imports by Country
Israel (26K tons), Egypt (15K tons) and Lebanon (11K tons) were the main suppliers of superphosphate imports to Italy, together comprising 82% of total imports.
From 2014 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Egypt (with a CAGR of +17.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Israel ($9.4M) constituted the largest supplier of superphosphates to Italy, comprising 42% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Morocco ($4.3M), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by Egypt, with an 18% share.
From 2014 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Israel stood at +9.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Morocco (+16.9% per year) and Egypt (+19.7% per year).
Import Prices by Country
In 2024, the superphosphate price stood at $353 per ton (CIF, Italy), approximately equating the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a mild increase from 2014 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, superphosphate import price decreased by -23.4% against 2022 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 when the average import price increased by 57% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $460 per ton. From 2023 to 2024, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($524 per ton), while the price for Egypt ($268 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2014 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Morocco (+2.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform