Brazil is facing difficulties in securing fertilizer supplies due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the country has turned to Morocco to meet its needs. On September 18, OCP Nutricrops, a subsidiary of the Moroccan phosphate group OCP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The agreement provides for the supply of 3.8 million tonnes of fertilizer to Brazil for the 2026-2027 period.
The deal was signed by Faris Derrij, CEO of OCP Nutricrops, and André de Paula, Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. The agreement not only secures a significant quantity of fertilizer for Brazilian farmers but also establishes a framework for cooperation between the two parties. This cooperation aims to promote the sharing of expertise, stimulate innovation, and identify new opportunities tailored to Brazil's agricultural sector.
Brazil's decision to turn to Morocco for fertilizer supplies is driven by the decline in domestic production and import challenges. According to the Brazilian Fertilizer Association, domestic production fell by over 16% in the first half of 2026, reaching 2.9 million tonnes. During the same period, local farmers received approximately 19 million tonnes of imported fertilizer, down from over 20 million tonnes in June 2025.
OCP Nutricrops is a major player in the global phosphate fertilizer market and plant nutrition sector. The company boasts large-scale industrial integration, global production and distribution capabilities, and a presence close to major agricultural markets. Additionally, OCP Nutricrops has recognized scientific and agronomic expertise.
This new agreement builds on over 15 years of OCP's presence in Brazil. The creation of OCP Brasil in 2010 has strengthened the group's local roots and proximity to markets, farmers, and agricultural ecosystem players. This local presence has enabled OCP to acquire in-depth knowledge of local agronomic realities and mobilize its scientific, agronomic, and industrial expertise.
The partnership between OCP Nutricrops and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is a significant development in the country's efforts to secure stable fertilizer supplies. Brazil is one of the world's largest agricultural producers, and a stable supply of fertilizer is crucial for its farming sector.
The deal is also a boost to Morocco's position as a reliable supplier of phosphate fertilizers. The country has been strengthening its ties with Brazil in recent years, and this agreement is a testament to the growing cooperation between the two nations.
Key points
- OCP Nutricrops to supply 3.8 million tonnes of fertilizer to Brazil for 2026-2027.
- Brazil's domestic fertilizer production declined by over 16% in the first half of 2026.
- OCP has over 15 years of presence in Brazil through its subsidiary OCP Brasil.
