Urea demand is spread across many countries, but a few large importers dominate the trade. In 2024, Brazil, the United States, Australia and Thailand were the largest importers that reported tonnage to UN Comtrade, and India remained one of the biggest buyers by value. For a producer or trader, knowing who buys, how they buy and when they buy is the starting point for any export plan.
This page explains how our urea fertilizer importers database is organised, which countries import the most, and how different kinds of buyers purchase urea.
To be clear about scope: we are compiling this information from public trade statistics, tender notices and company sources. It is a research tool, not a list of guaranteed buyers or a mailing list.
Why importer data matters
Selling urea internationally is less about finding a name and more about finding the right fit. A government agency running a tender needs documents, bid bonds and strict timelines. A private distributor in Brazil wants granular urea at the right point in the planting cycle. A blender in Europe may want smaller, regular cargoes by short sea.
Importer data helps you:
- see which markets actually buy in volume
- understand the season and the buying method in each market
- plan freight and product form around the buyer’s port
- prepare for tenders and supplier registration
Urea imports by country, 2024
| Importer | 2024 imports (thousand tonnes) | 2023 imports (thousand tonnes) | Main origins seen in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 8,326 | 7,315 | Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
| United States | 5,098 | 4,812 | Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
| Australia | 3,854 | 3,195 | Saudi Arabia, Qatar |
| Thailand | 2,633 | 2,538 | Saudi Arabia, Qatar |
| Mexico | 1,433 | 1,490 | Russia, Qatar |
| Poland | 1,332 | 1,161 | Russia |
| Canada | 1,298 | 1,091 | – |
| South Africa | 935 | 915 | Saudi Arabia, Qatar |
| India | not reported in tonnes | not reported in tonnes | Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
Every reporting country is in our searchable urea country dataset, with import volumes and average values you can filter and download. Other notable importers in 2023 or 2024 included Chile, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Colombia, Romania, Germany, Sri Lanka and several East African and Southeast Asian countries.
Types of urea buyers
| Buyer type | How they usually buy | What they care about |
|---|---|---|
| Government agencies and state companies | Public tenders, often for set quantities and ports | Compliance, documents, bid bonds, delivery dates |
| Large private importers and distributors | Direct purchases and term contracts with producers and traders | Price, reliability, product form, credit terms |
| Fertilizer blenders and NPK producers | Regular cargoes or parcels | Granule size match, consistent quality |
| Cooperatives | Seasonal purchases, often through distributors | Delivered price, timing |
| Industrial users | Technical or DEF-grade urea | Purity, packaging, steady supply |
How the major markets buy
India
India is one of the world’s largest urea importers. Most imported urea is bought through government-nominated agencies using public tenders, and the retail price to farmers is fixed by the government at ₹242 per 45 kg bag, excluding neem coating charges and taxes.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest importer by volume. Private distributors and blenders buy granular urea ahead of the main crop seasons, timing purchases around the main planting seasons.
United States
The US imports urea to supplement domestic production, especially ahead of spring corn planting. Much import urea arrives through the Gulf Coast and moves inland by barge, rail and truck.
Australia and Southeast Asia
Australia, Thailand and their neighbours rely heavily on imports, mainly from the Gulf, Malaysia and Indonesia. Freight from the Gulf is a large part of the delivered cost.
Europe
European demand is met partly by local plants and partly by imports from Egypt, Algeria and other origins. Trade rules, duties and sanctions affect which origins are used.
What our importer records contain
For each importer or buying organisation we research, we aim to record:
- organisation name and country
- buyer type (government, distributor, blender, cooperative, industrial)
- products bought, granular or prilled, and grade
- buying method (tender, direct, term contract) where public
- typical ports and seasons where documented
- official website or published procurement page
- the date the record was last checked
We do not publish private contact details or claim that any organisation is currently buying.
What buyers expect from a supplier
If you want to sell urea to importers, expect to be asked for:
- Company documents: registration, trading history and bank references.
- Product proof: specification, certificate of analysis and the producing plant.
- Commercial terms: price basis (FOB, CFR or CIF), quantity, packaging and shipment period.
- Payment security: most importers pay by documentary letter of credit.
- Inspection: independent inspection at loading, sometimes also at discharge.
- Import compliance: documents for registration, phytosanitary or quality rules in the buyer’s country.
Tender buyers add bid bonds, performance bonds and strict deadlines.
How to use the database
- Pick target markets by volume, season and freight distance.
- Identify the buyer types in each market.
- Check how each buyer purchases: tender, direct or through traders.
- Prepare your product documents before first contact.
- Approach buyers through official channels only.
Compare current price levels on our urea prices by country page before quoting.
Buying urea through Agromer
If you are an importer or distributor looking for supply, Agromer trades urea with major producers on spot and contract terms. We work with an end-buyer LOI, payment by 100% DLC or SBLC, and SGS inspection at loading. Send us the product form, specification, quantity, packaging and destination port. See also our urea fertilizer page.
Frequently asked questions
Which country imports the most urea?
Brazil imported 8.3 million tonnes in 2024, the largest volume reported to UN Comtrade. India is also among the largest importers by value.
Who buys urea in bulk?
Government agencies, large private importers and distributors, blenders, cooperatives and industrial users.
How does India import urea?
Mostly through government-nominated agencies using public tenders, with the farm-gate price fixed by the government.
Do you provide a list of urea buyers with contacts?
No. We record organisations, buying methods and official websites from public sources. We do not sell or share private contact lists.
When do urea importers buy?
It depends on the crop calendar. Brazil buys ahead of its main plantings, the US before spring planting, and tender markets follow their own schedules.
What documents do urea buyers ask for?
Company registration, a certificate of analysis, the producing plant, the commercial offer, payment terms, and independent inspection certificates.
Why are India’s import volumes missing?
India reported the value of its urea imports to UN Comtrade for 2023 and 2024 but not the tonnage, so we show the value instead.