Salient Anhydrous Ammonia Statistics

This table presents key quantitative data on anhydrous ammonia production, trade, consumption, pricing, and related inputs for the United States and the world over the five-year period from 2019 through 2023. These statistics are critical for understanding the supply-demand dynamics of anhydrous ammonia, a fundamental chemical primarily used in fertilizer manufacturing, which directly impacts agricultural productivity and food security. The data also reflect economic factors such as price fluctuations and import reliance, which influence industrial planning, trade policies, and energy consumption given the close link between natural gas prices and ammonia production costs.

Analysis of the data reveals that U.S. production of anhydrous ammonia remained relatively stable in 2023 at 13,800 thousand metric tons, matching the previous year’s output after a dip to 12,700 thousand metric tons in 2021. Notably, exports surged to 890 thousand metric tons in 2023, a significant increase from 719 thousand metric tons in 2022 and more than double the 231 thousand metric tons recorded in 2021, indicating stronger international demand or improved competitiveness. Imports for consumption decreased steadily to 1,720 thousand metric tons in 2023, down from 1,930 thousand metric tons in 2022, contributing to a reduced net import reliance of 6%, the lowest in the five-year span. The average annual price on the Gulf Coast showed considerable volatility, peaking at $1,070 per short ton in 2022 before dropping to $470 in 2023, paralleling a sharp decline in natural gas prices from $6.45 to $2.53 per million British thermal units, underscoring the influence of energy costs on ammonia pricing. Globally, production rebounded to 152 million metric tons in 2023 after a slight decline in 2022, while world trade volumes decreased to 13.7 million metric tons, reflecting shifting international market conditions.