This archived spring 2026 reference recorded an estimated $420–$520 per short ton range for the U.S. Corn Belt. It is retained for historical comparison and is not a current market or local supplier quote.
Evidence: Source: USDA AMS, FRED, and EIA context · As of: spring 2026 source period · Region: U.S. Corn Belt estimate · Unit: USD per short ton · Freshness: archived · Coverage: regional benchmark, not every retailer or a current local quote.
Archived Signal Snapshot: HOLD
Year-over-year change: +15–25%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| NOLA Barge (bulk) | $410 – $480/ton |
| Corn Belt Retail (dry) | $450 – $520/ton |
| Pacific Northwest | $430 – $500/ton |
| Delta Region | $420 – $490/ton |
China restricted urea exports through August 2026 to protect domestic supplies. China accounts for roughly 20% of global urea trade. Removing that volume tightened the Atlantic market and pushed U.S. import prices higher.
Urea is synthesized from ammonia via the Haber-Bosch process. Natural gas represents 70–80% of production cost. European gas prices in 2025–2026 remain elevated, keeping the global marginal cost of urea production high.
Spring pre-plant and sidedress demand peaks in April–May, creating a seasonal price bulge that typically softens by mid-June. Buyers who missed the pre-purchase window in February–March are now absorbing the full seasonal premium.
A stronger U.S. dollar makes imported urea more expensive in dollar terms. 2026 dollar index trends have modestly amplified import costs relative to domestic production.
This archived page records a $420–$520 per short ton spring 2026 Corn Belt estimate and a $410–$480 NOLA barge estimate. Confirm a current dated USDA report or local supplier quote before acting.
China export restrictions on nitrogen and elevated natural gas costs are the two primary drivers. China supplies ~20% of global urea trade, and gas accounts for 70–80% of production cost.
Historically, the lowest urea prices occur in late July through September, after spring demand fades and before fall pre-purchases begin. Pre-purchasing for fall application in June–July often captures a $30–$60/ton discount versus spring spot.
On a cost-per-unit-of-nitrogen basis, urea (46% N) typically runs $0.90–$1.15/lb N versus anhydrous ammonia (82% N) at $0.55–$0.70/lb N. Anhydrous is cheaper per unit of N but requires injection equipment.
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