Morocco’s leading phosphate producer, OCP Group, has introduced a new product — NP 5-42 — expanding its growing range of compound fertilizers. The new grade is a compound NP fertilizer (HS code 310559), where ammonia serves as the nitrogen source during production.
Although NP 5-42 is officially categorized as an NP fertilizer, OCP is promoting it as part of its triple superphosphate (TSP) initiative. The company highlights that NP 5-42 can blend easily with other nitrogen sources such as urea, ammonium sulfate (Amsul), ammonium nitrate (AN), and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) for both mechanical blending and steam granulation.
Standard TSP contains 46% P₂O₅ and no nitrogen. This is similar to DAP’s phosphorus content (46% P₂O₅), though lower than the 52% P₂O₅ found in MAP produced by OCP.
Currently, OCP NP 5-42 is primarily aimed at the European market, but the company may consider expanding availability to other regions later. Pricing details for the new grade have not yet been announced.
Market feedback suggests that European phosphate demand remains subdued, as buyers focus on nitrogen supply security. Some NPK blenders noted that the launch of OCP NP 5-42 came too late for the current season, making them hesitant to switch from their traditional raw materials.
According to port lineup data, DAP and MAP exports from Jorf Lasfar to Europe between January and October 2025 reached 585,000 tonnes and 209,000 tonnes, respectively. During the same period, TSP exports to Europe stood at 96,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, OCP is ramping up TSP production and export capacity, with growing shipments to Brazil and India. Its TSP range will now include customized grades, such as NP 5-42.
Morocco’s total TSP capacity has increased from 2.28 million tonnes per year in 2024 to 2.98 million tonnes in 2025, according to Argus Analytics. The capacity is projected to rise further, reaching 4.88 million tonnes annually by 2028.
OCP’s stronger focus on TSP and NP grades also reflects its strategy to reduce exposure to volatile ammonia import prices. Unlike DAP, which contains 18% nitrogen, TSP contains none. The 5% nitrogen in OCP NP 5-42 helps reduce ammonia feedstock requirements by about 72% per tonne compared with DAP.
Ammonia prices delivered to Morocco have climbed nearly 50% since June 2025, with the latest assessment on 30 October showing $590 per tonne CFR on a midpoint basis.
By introducing NP 5-42, OCP aims to balance fertilizer nutrient flexibility with feedstock efficiency, strengthening its position in the global phosphate market.