Major Egyptian phosphate rock producer Misr Phosphate is entering the downstream fertilizer sector to boost its phosphate rock demand and strengthen its global market position. The company plans to build a DAP/MAP/NPK fertilizer plant at Ain Sokhna in northeast Egypt, with construction expected to start by the second quarter of 2026 once financing negotiations conclude this year.
Large-Scale Fertilizer Capacity
The new complex will support Egypt’s growing fertilizer ambitions with:
600,000 t/yr of DAP
320,000 t/yr phosphoric acid solution
1.023 million t/yr sulphuric acid
Misr Phosphate will supply 1.25 million t/yr phosphate rock from its Red Sea mining operations.
This project is structured as a joint venture, where Misr Phosphate will retain a 15% ownership stake and receive 20% of total production for both direct sales and trade markets.
Earlier, in July 2024, Egypt’s petroleum and mineral resources ministry discussed collaboration with global manufacturer Indorama to develop a phosphate fertilizer plant in Ain Sokhna with Misr Phosphate.
The producer is also exploring additional projects with Chinese firm Chuanjinnuo and another domestic partner. Pre-feasibility studies are underway.
Phosphate Rock Production to Increase
To secure feedstock for domestic fertilizer expansion and maintain export strength, Misr Phosphate is increasing capacity:
Run-of-mine production to reach 7 million t/yr by end-2025
Expanded drilling to increase reserves
New mining licenses planned in 2026
Exploration has already begun near El-Dakhla in southwest Egypt.
Growth in De-Dusted Rock for Global Markets
The company has upgraded its product quality by marketing reduced-dust phosphate rock from the Abu Tartour mine, aimed at meeting strict European port handling standards.
Key progress:
De-dusting output reached 1,000 t/day in February 2024
Target: 1 million t/yr de-dusted rock by end-2026
600,000t supplied to Europe during January–October 2025
(already surpassing 433,000t imported from Egypt by the EU in 2024)
Rising Demand from Vietnam
Misr Phosphate is gaining ground in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where domestic supply shortages are increasing import needs.
Highlights:
150,000t shipped to Vietnam so far this year
(27% P2O5 grade)Market anticipated to reach 1 million t in 2026
Vietnam prefers rock from Red Sea mines over Abu Tartour
Improved Product Quality
Egyptian phosphate rock quality has historically varied, but Misr Phosphate has implemented strict quality control across mining and processing lines to ensure consistency for international buyers.
Conclusion
Misr Phosphate’s aggressive investment in fertilizer production, mining expansion, and product quality positions Egypt to strengthen its role in the global phosphate supply chain. With new downstream capacity in Ain Sokhna and rising international demand, the company is shaping the future of Egypt’s phosphate sector.
