Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman recently announced that Indonesia has received requests for urea fertilizer imports from three countries. The demand emerges as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global supply chains for commodities like fertilizers.
Speaking in Makassar on Sunday during a visit to the Panaikang Bulog warehouse, Minister Sulaiman confirmed the export inquiries. He did not disclose the names of the requesting nations, citing ongoing negotiations, but expressed hopes that the agreements would yield optimal benefits and favorable prices for Indonesia.
The minister also emphasized the government’s efforts to ensure domestic fertilizer availability, noting that supplies have been secured since the start of the year through raw material purchases. He characterized this strategic initiative as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s policy to bolster the resilience of the agricultural sector.
Additionally, Minister Sulaiman assured that Middle Eastern political tensions have not significantly affected food prices within Indonesia. This stability is attributed to a secure national rice supply, which currently stands at 4.5 million tons, sufficient for the next 11 months.
Further elaborating on the export strategy, PT Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi previously stated that urea fertilizer exports would only proceed once domestic demand is entirely satisfied. He made this clarification following a working meeting with Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta on Thursday, April 2.
Indonesia boasts a significant urea fertilizer production capacity, with operational capabilities reaching 8.8 million tons annually and an installed capacity of 9.4 million tons. This robust domestic production has provided stability, even as global urea prices have reportedly climbed from around US$400 to US$800 per ton.
Historically, Indonesian urea fertilizer has been exported to countries such as Australia, India, and the Philippines. While an export quota of approximately 1.5 million tons exists, the actual distribution volume remains adaptable, prioritizing the fulfillment of internal supply needs.
Source: Original
