France is stepping up efforts to reduce cadmium in phosphate fertilisers, much of which it sources from Morocco. The limit is set to fall to 20 milligrams by 2030. But Paris has left itself the option of revising the timeline, particularly to avoid supply difficulties.
Morocco’s mining and chemicals industries fell sharply in the second quarter of 2026. According to Oxford Economics, the Gulf conflict weighed on mining activity. Morocco also depends on imported raw materials to produce its fertilizers, and supplies have been disrupted.
Moroccan exports are growing, but not keeping pace with imports. In the first eight months of 2026, the trade deficit widened by 25.4% to 282.6 billion dirhams. Energy and equipment accounted for a particularly large share of the increase.
Two benchmarks used to track Moroccan fertilizer prices will be discontinued this Thursday, October 1. Platts, a division of S&P Global Energy, is ending publication of the assessments because trade flows have changed. They were calculated using the U.S. market in New Orleans.
OCP Nutricrops and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture have signed a memorandum covering 3.8 million tonnes of phosphate fertilizer. Contrary to initial announcements, this volume is a reference figure: sales will still depend on negotiations with Brazilian operators.
Moroccan fertilizers are currently benefiting from a reprieve in the United States, but OCP is continuing its legal battle. The group is appealing a ruling that maintains the main basis for the duties imposed since 2021 and that could return after their suspension.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are undermining global supplies of nitrogen fertilizers and driving up their costs. In this strained market, Morocco’s immense phosphate reserves are taking on new importance, although they cannot replace nitrogen.
Morocco is preparing to supply Brazil with 3.8 million tonnes of phosphate fertilizers for the 2026-2027 agricultural season. This volume alone would cover 76% of the shortfall estimated by the Brazilian government.
Morocco is leveraging the rivalry between Washington and Beijing to accelerate its industrialization. Chinese capital is financing new factories, while the United States retains an especially favorable trade and strategic relationship with the kingdom.
Six months after the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East, the global sulfur market remains severely disrupted. The situation is particularly sensitive for Morocco: OCP has phosphate, but must massively import the sulfur essential to transforming it into fertilizer.
Bangladesh has just approved a new order of 70,000 tonnes of phosphate fertilisers from Morocco. This is the third major decision in three weeks benefiting OCP Nutricrops, bringing the Moroccan purchases authorised since 12 August to 280,000 tonnes.
Morocco and India want to increase their trade from around 4 to 8 billion dollars in five years. New Delhi is notably calling for faster access to the Moroccan market for its medicines and answers regarding investigations into its tiles.