INTERNATIONAL BULK JOURNAL | Urea price dive hits Australia

Australia's fertiliser market is adjusting to a sharp fall in global urea prices, with Grain Central reporting that suppliers outside the Federal Government's fertiliser support package are carrying significant losses after importing higher-priced product during the market peak.

The article also explores concerns about competition and the longer-term impacts of the government's intervention on the fertiliser market.

Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said the current arrangements had created an uneven playing field in eastern Australia.

"At least in WA there's competition; in eastern and South Australia, where's the competition? Where's the ACCC?" he said.

"The government's intention was to support the farmer... and cover losses when fertiliser prices fall to support the market. What you don't know is how far they will fall; is there a shut-off point?"

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