UAN28, UAN32 Lead Major Fertilizer Prices Increase

OMAHA (DTN) — Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers continued to be higher than last month during the last full week of April 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Two fertilizers had a substantial price increase compared to the prior month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. The average retail price of UAN28 was 6% higher compared to last month at $381 per ton. And UAN32 was 6% more expensive than last month with an average retail price of $449 per ton.

The remaining six fertilizers had slightly higher prices. DAP had an average price of $784 per ton, MAP $821/ton, potash $468/ton, urea $579/ton, 10-34-0 $656/ton and anhydrous $781/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.63/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.68/lb.N and UAN32 $0.70/lb.N.

RaboResearch recently published its semiannual fertilizer outlook. Their affordability index turned negative in January 2025, but the true indictor of a cycle transition is the 12-month moving average. The 12-month moving average of the index is expected to turn negative by May 2025.

“This negative index is a leading indicator of reduced consumption,” according to the report. “However, to better understand future developments, it is essential to evaluate the nutrient indexes and their trends.”

The phosphates affordability index 12-month moving average turned negative in August 2024 and is projected to remain negative until at least August 2025.

“Given current market conditions, we expect the index to stay negative for a bit longer than the previous record, leading to a drop in phosphate consumption in 2025,” the report said.

The outlook for nitrogen is slightly better, although it is also negative. Current market conditions support a change, as prices are likely to decrease with increasing supply and peak demand for the Northern Hemisphere season nearly over.

According to the report, potash remains in the most favorable position. The nutrient has a positive index that is forecast to remain stable, which is very supportive for demand.

Four fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. DAP is 1% higher, 10-34-0 is 2% more expensive, UAN28 is 5% higher and UAN32 is 7% higher looking back to last year.

The remaining four fertilizers are lower. Both MAP and urea are 1% less expensive, anhydrous is 2% lower and potash is 9% lower compared to last year.

DTN gathers fertilizer price bids from agriculture retailers each week to compile the DTN Fertilizer Index. DTN first began reporting data in November 2008.

In addition to national averages, MyDTN subscribers can access the full DTN Fertilizer Index, which includes state averages, here: https://www.mydtn.com/agriculture/web/ag/markets/fuels-fertilizers#!/fertilizers.

University of Minnesota Extension takes a closer look at what happens to phosphorus fertilizer when it is applied to soil. You can read about it here: https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/crops/article/2025/04/23/uan32-retail-price-9-uan28-price-7.

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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