Maine is a potato, blueberry, and dairy state with Aroostook County — the nation's top potato county — supporting intensive row crop production in the north. DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) is currently priced at $755–$873/ton in Maine markets as of spring 2026, reflecting Northeast supply chain conditions.
| Benchmark | Price | vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| NOLA barge (national reference) | $640–$740/ton | +15–25% |
| Maine co-op / distributor | $755–$873/ton | +33–43% |
| Maine retail delivered | $774–$895/ton | +35–45% |
Hold aggressive pre-buying until August China restriction decision. Spot may correct 10–15% if restrictions lift.
Maine sources fertilizer via Searsport port and truck from Massachusetts; Aroostook County potato farmers pay 14–20% premiums over NOLA due to distance and logistics.
| Driver | Impact |
|---|---|
| China phosphate export ban | China restricted phosphate exports through August 2026, removing ~30% of global trade volume — the single largest price driver. |
| Morocco and Saudi supply | Alternative suppliers (OCP, SABIC) run at capacity but cannot fully offset China volumes. |
| Ammonia input costs | DAP production requires ammonia; elevated natural gas costs raise the cost floor. |
| Spring demand surge | Concentrated spring application demand amplifies price spikes during March–May. |
Maine farmers typically source DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) through regional co-operatives, independent retailers, and direct distributor contracts. The most effective strategy in Northeast markets is to compare co-op pre-pay pricing versus spot retail, as pre-pay discounts of 5–12% are standard for early fall bookings.
As of spring 2026, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) in Maine is priced at approximately $755–$873/ton. Prices vary by county, co-op, and contract type. GrainBrief tracks weekly USDA AMS price reports and sends price alerts when signals change.
Maine sits in the Northeast supply zone. Maine sources fertilizer via Searsport port and truck from Massachusetts. Premiums over NOLA benchmarks typically run 18–26% depending on season and logistics conditions.
Historically, fall pre-buy programs (August–October) offer the best pricing for the following spring application season. In-season spot prices during March–June carry a 5–15% logistics premium. GrainBrief's weekly signal tells you exactly when to act.
GrainBrief tracks USDA AMS, FRED, and EIA data weekly and sends you a buy, hold, or negotiate signal. Stop guessing. Start buying on data.
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