Supply Chain Risks for New Zealand Fertiliser

A key focus for our member co-operatives is managing supply chains to enable the manufacture and sale of fertiliser products that meet the needs of New Zealand farmers.

New Zealand does not have a domestic supply of the mineral resources needed for fertiliser manufacture. The lack of resources means we are vulnerable to the need to ship nutrient raw materials from across the world. As a nation whose economy is dependent on growing food, we are unique globally in our heavy dependence on imports for the raw materials to grow food.  These raw materials and products are not substitutable, and supplies are often concentrated.  Phosphate rock, potash, trace elements, and sulphur, are entirely import dependent.

Geopolitical change and supply disruption has highlighted the vulnerability of fertiliser supply chains.  Tariffs, sanctions, export controls, and civil unrest, alongside port congestion and shipping, all impact supply.

As an island nation, distant from key trading partners, the economic growth and prosperity of New Zealand depends on the performance of the supply chains that deliver the raw materials to grow food.