MBF Group
Demand for uncoated urea, also known as technical or automotive urea, is forecast to grow significantly in the second half of 2024. This growth is due to several key factors: increased agricultural production, industrial development and increased use in wastewater treatment. Global agricultural production is expected to grow, which will directly affect the demand for urea used as a fertilizer. Global population growth and increased food needs are driving the growth of the agricultural sector, which makes heavy use of urea to fertilize crops.
The chemical and manufacturing industries in developing countries are booming. Urea is a raw material used in many industrial processes, such as the production of melamine resins, adhesives and paints, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, which increases its demand in these sectors.
Growing demand for urea is also evident in the wastewater treatment industry. Biological wastewater treatment processes that use urea as a source of nitrogen are key to maintaining adequate treatment parameters and efficient removal of pollutants. In developing countries, where urbanization and industrialization are proceeding at a rapid pace, the need for efficient water and wastewater management is becoming a priority, further stimulating demand for urea in the water and wastewater sector.
Stable urea prices
Technical urea prices are expected to remain stable in the second half of 2024, despite minor fluctuations due to seasonal and geopolitical factors. Price stability is the result of a balance between increasing demand and relatively constant supply. Nevertheless, the industry will face some challenges that could affect this balance. Increased demand during the peak farming season can lead to temporary price increases. A drop in demand during off-season periods may result in slight price reductions.
Forecasts and challenges for the urea market in the second half of 2024
Reduced availability of raw materials:
Urea production depends heavily on the availability of raw materials such as natural gas and ammonia. Possible problems with the availability of these raw materials could lead to an increase in production costs and, consequently, to an increase in urea prices on the market.
Tightening environmental regulations:
Tightening environmental regulations on emissions may affect urea production. The introduction of stricter standards may increase manufacturers’ operating costs, which could translate into prices for the final product.
Geopolitical instability:
Political instability in different regions of the world can disrupt global supply chains. Conflicts, sanctions and political changes can lead to difficulties in transporting raw materials and finished products, which can also affect urea prices and availability.
The world’s largest urea producers:
The largest producers of uncoated urea in the world include:
- Yara International (Norway)
- EuroChem (Russia)
- OCI (Morocco)
- Uralchem (Russia)
- CF Industries Holdings Inc. (United States)
- Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (Thailand)
- SABIC (Saudi Arabia).
- Helm AG (Germany)
- Acteon Group (China)
- Prayon (Belgium)
The largest exporters of automotive urea:
The world’s largest exporters of uncoated urea include:
- China
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Egypt
- Morocco
- United States
- Canada
- Vietnam
However, it should be remembered that the situation in the uncoated urea market is dynamic and constantly changing. Forecasts and data on major producers and exporters may change depending on current market conditions.
Summary
The technical urea market in the second half of 2024 appears to be in a phase of rapid demand growth, driven by the development of agriculture, the chemical industry and wastewater treatment. Despite the projected price stability, there are several challenges that could affect the market. Reduced availability of raw materials, tighter environmental regulations and geopolitical instability are all factors that urea producers and consumers will have to watch closely and respond to.
