Urea is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers in the world, playing a critical role in global food production. As agricultural demand continues to grow, international fertilizer trade has become increasingly strategic. US import data shows that among the major import markets, the United States stands out as one of the largest and most influential buyers of urea worldwide.
For exporters, traders, and fertilizer manufacturers, understanding US Urea Imports Data, identifying Urea importers in USA, and leveraging a verified USA Urea Buyers Database can unlock significant market opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of import trends, major supplier countries, demand drivers, and how businesses can use trade intelligence to succeed.
The Importance of Urea in the US Agricultural Economy
The United States has one of the world’s most advanced and productive agricultural systems. Crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton require large quantities of nitrogen-based fertilizers to maintain high yields. Urea, with its high nitrogen concentration and cost efficiency, remains a preferred fertilizer option.
Although the US produces nitrogen fertilizers domestically, production alone cannot meet total consumption demand. Seasonal planting cycles, fluctuating production costs, and regional supply imbalances all contribute to the country’s continued reliance on imports.
This structural demand is why the US remains the third-largest urea importer globally, making it a crucial destination market for international fertilizer exporters.
Latest US Urea Imports Data and Market Value
Recent trade statistics reveal both the scale and volatility of the US urea import market.
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Total US urea imports were valued at $1.86 billion in 2024, reflecting a 7% decline compared to the previous year.
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However, import activity remained strong, with $2.02 billion worth of urea imported in the first 11 months of 2025 under HS Code 3102.
These numbers show that while annual values may fluctuate due to global price changes, supply chain shifts, and energy costs, overall demand remains consistently high.
Import values are influenced by multiple factors, including:
✔ Global natural gas prices (a key input in fertilizer production)
✔ International trade policies and sanctions
✔ Shipping and logistics costs
✔ Seasonal agricultural demand
✔ Currency exchange fluctuations
Because of these variables, year-to-year import values may change, but long-term demand trends remain stable.
Where Does the US Import Urea From?
The US sources urea from a diverse group of international suppliers, but a few major exporting countries dominate the market due to strong production capacity and established trade relationships.
Top supplier countries include:
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Russia — $457.55 million (24.5%)
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Qatar — $362.10 million (19.4%)
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Canada — $250.37 million (13.4%)
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Saudi Arabia — $161.12 million (8.6%)
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Algeria — $156.97 million (8.4%)
These countries benefit from large-scale fertilizer manufacturing facilities, access to low-cost feedstock, and efficient export infrastructure.
Geographic proximity also plays a role. For example, Canada benefits from shorter transportation routes, while Middle Eastern exporters often have competitive production costs due to energy availability.
Understanding HS Code 3102 in Urea Trade
Urea imports are classified under HS Code 3102, which covers nitrogenous mineral or chemical fertilizers. Trade data categorized under this code provides valuable insight into:
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Import volumes and shipment values
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Supplier country distribution
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Buyer activity and procurement patterns
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Port-level trade movements
For exporters and analysts, HS code-based tracking offers a precise way to monitor market demand and identify active importers.
Key Drivers Behind US Urea Import Demand
Several structural and economic factors sustain strong urea import demand in the US:
1. Large-Scale Commercial Farming
The US agricultural sector operates on a massive scale, requiring consistent fertilizer supply throughout the year.
2. Seasonal Demand Peaks
Fertilizer consumption surges during planting seasons, creating temporary supply gaps filled by imports.
3. Energy-Linked Production Costs
Domestic fertilizer production depends heavily on natural gas prices. When costs rise, imports become more competitive.
4. Supply Chain Diversification
Importing from multiple countries reduces risk and ensures stable supply availability.
Why US Urea Imports Data Is Valuable for Exporters
Accurate and verified US Urea Imports Data helps businesses move from guesswork to data-driven strategy. Instead of approaching markets blindly, exporters can analyze real shipment records and buyer behavior.
Trade data helps companies:
✔ Identify high-volume importers
✔ Track procurement frequency
✔ Understand price trends
✔ Monitor competitor suppliers
✔ Discover emerging demand regions
✔ Plan targeted marketing and sales outreach
In global fertilizer trade, information is often the difference between entering a market successfully and missing opportunities.
The Role of the USA Urea Buyers Database
A well-structured USA Urea Buyers Database provides direct access to companies actively importing fertilizer. This eliminates the need for cold outreach to unverified leads.
Typical database insights include:
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Verified importer contact information
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Historical shipment records
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Purchase volumes and frequency
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Import ports and logistics routes
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Supplier partnerships
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Product classification details
For exporters, this allows highly targeted sales strategies based on real demand rather than assumptions.
How Urea Importers in USA Operate
Urea importers in the US range from large fertilizer distributors and agricultural cooperatives to chemical trading companies and industrial buyers.
Their operations typically involve:
✔ Contracting international suppliers
✔ Managing shipping and port logistics
✔ Distributing fertilizer to regional markets
✔ Supplying large farming operations
✔ Maintaining inventory for seasonal demand
Understanding how these buyers operate helps exporters align supply timing, pricing, and logistics.
Market Opportunities for Global Suppliers
Despite domestic production capacity, the US will likely remain a major urea importer for the foreseeable future. This creates strong opportunities for exporters who can provide:
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Competitive pricing
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Reliable delivery schedules
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Consistent product quality
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Long-term supply contracts
Suppliers that use import data to identify high-volume buyers and understand procurement patterns gain a significant competitive advantage.
Future Outlook for the US Urea Import Market
Looking ahead, several trends may shape future import activity:
Continued growth in global food demand
Rising fertilizer efficiency requirements
Energy cost volatility affecting production
Expansion of precision agriculture
Strategic supply chain diversification
These factors suggest that import demand will remain strong, even as sourcing patterns evolve.
Conclusion
The US remains one of the most important fertilizer import markets globally, driven by large-scale agriculture and consistent nitrogen demand. Insights from US import export data and US export data, along with recent trade statistics, confirm the country’s ongoing reliance on international suppliers despite short-term value fluctuations.
For exporters and suppliers, success in this market depends on understanding real trade flows, identifying active buyers, and building strategic partnerships. Leveraging accurate US Urea Imports Data, analyzing broader US import export data, reviewing relevant US export data, accessing a verified USA Urea Buyers Database, and targeting key Urea importers in USA provide the foundation for long-term growth in one of the world’s most valuable fertilizer markets.
