Potash fertilizer prices continued to move higher during the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong global demand and tight supply conditions. Canadian fertilizer major Nutrien reported a significant increase in prices, sales revenue, and production volumes during the January-March period.
According to the company’s latest quarterly report, the average selling price of potash fertilizers reached $264 per tonne in Q1 2026. This marked an increase of 20.5% compared to the same period last year. In North America, average selling prices climbed 18.1% to $287 per tonne, while prices in international markets increased by 22.5% to $250 per tonne.
Nutrien sold 3.51 million tonnes of potash fertilizers during the quarter, up 3.2% year-on-year. The company also increased potash production by 11.3% to 3.66 million tonnes to meet growing global demand.
Within Canpotex export sales, Latin America accounted for the largest share at 41%. China represented 17% of shipments, while India accounted for 1%. Other Asian markets contributed nearly 30% of total exports during the quarter.
The rise in potash fertilizer prices helped Nutrien improve its financial performance. Revenue from potash operations increased by 24% to $926 million, while gross profit surged 38% to $504 million during the reporting period.
Nutrien maintained its outlook for the global potash market in 2026. The company expects worldwide potash shipments to remain between 74 million and 77 million tonnes this year.
The report stated that global demand for potash fertilizers remains strong and could continue to test existing operating capacities and supply chain networks throughout 2026. The company also highlighted that the ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted global fertilizer markets by affecting nitrogen and phosphate supplies from the region. This situation has also impacted the availability and cost of key fertilizer raw materials.
