The source told Farmer’s Weekly that Foskor is unlikely to have any mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) available in April due to a critical shortage of ammonia, essential for production. The state-owned company imports all its ammonia from the Persian Gulf, where fertiliser and sulphur supply chains have been disrupted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The source added that buyers have been informed by Foskor sales representatives that no MAP is available, and phosphate supplies are critically low.
MAP is one of South Africa’s most crucial phosphorus fertilisers, used across winter grains such as wheat and barley, oilseeds, fruit, vineyards, high-value horticulture, vegetables, and diversified irrigation crops. Without it, early planting windows, especially in the Western Cape’s winter rainfall region, are at direct risk.
Farmer’s Weekly reached out to government role players to verify the information. Joylene van Wyk, spokesperson for the national Department of Agriculture (DoA), said in a reply that Foskor had not informed the DoA of a MAP shortage.
Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Corporation, the state-owned entity directly responsible for Foskor, did not respond.
However, Rogani Moodley, information officer and vice-president of legal, risk, and compliance at Foskor, acknowledged questions from the publication.
“As a participant in the global chemicals and mining value chain, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation and its potential implications for international trade, logistics, and supply chain stability. The safety of our global partners and the continuity of our operations remain our primary focus.
“Due to the rapidly changing nature of these events, we have not yet had sufficient time to fully review the specific questions posed. We are currently conducting a comprehensive internal assessment to ensure any information we provide is accurate and reflective of our strategic position. We anticipate providing a more detailed response once this review is complete,” she said.
“In the interim, Foskor is in continuous engagement with its customers and has been communicating directly [with them] regarding supply status. Customers are advised to maintain close communication with our commercial team and submit forward requirements as early as possible to assist with planning.”
Corné Louw, applied economics and member services lead at Grain SA, said the organisation had received limited communication from Foskor.
“Grain SA was aware that Foskor’s order book was closed, with orders fully committed, but phosphoric acid was still available,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
