280,000 tonnes in three weeks: Bangladesh rushes to buy Moroccan fertilisers
Bangladesh has just approved a new order of 70,000 tonnes of phosphate fertilisers from Morocco. This is the third major decision in three weeks benefiting OCP Nutricrops, bringing the Moroccan purchases authorised since 12 August to 280,000 tonnes.
Dhaka continues to replenish its stocks from Morocco. Meeting this Wednesday, 2 September, the Bangladesh government’s Purchase Committee (CCGP) gave the green light to two new fertiliser imports from OCP Nutricrops, according to the public Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.
The first order covers 40,000 tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP). The agreed price is 894 dollars per tonne, for a total bill of 35.76 million dollars.
Bangladesh will also purchase 30,000 tonnes of triple superphosphate (TSP) from the Moroccan group, at a price of 669.33 dollars per tonne. This second operation represents just over 20 million dollars.
In total, the newly approved 70,000 tonnes cost approximately 55.8 million dollars. The purchases are being made by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) under the government-to-government agreement concluded with OCP Nutricrops.
On Bladi.net : Bangladesh orders 210,000 tonnes of Moroccan fertilizer in less than two weeks
This new order comes just a few days after Bangladesh approved 210,000 tonnes of Moroccan fertilisers in less than two weeks.
280,000 tonnes in just three weeks
The pace of orders is becoming particularly intense. On 12 August, Dhaka had already authorised the purchase from Morocco of 40,000 tonnes of DAP and 30,000 tonnes of TSP, or 70,000 tonnes in total.
Twelve days later, on 24 August, the Bangladeshi government had again approved four lots from OCP: 80,000 tonnes of DAP and 60,000 tonnes of TSP. That single meeting therefore added 140,000 tonnes to the Moroccan orders.
With the 70,000 tonnes decided on 2 September, the total has now reached 280,000 tonnes in 21 days: 160,000 tonnes of DAP and 120,000 tonnes of TSP. Based on the prices approved during these three meetings, their cumulative value is approaching 224 million dollars.
Bangladesh was already an important customer for Moroccan fertilisers, but the succession of decisions taken since mid-August reflects a clear acceleration in its supplies from OCP.
This rush is explained in particular by the country’s agricultural needs. According to The Daily Star, Bangladesh imports more than 85% of the fertilisers it consumes and is currently seeking to secure the stocks needed for the Aman and Boro agricultural seasons, which together account for more than 90% of national rice production.
The country consumes approximately 6.6 million tonnes of fertilisers per year. In the last two weeks of August alone, the authorities authorised the import of around 480,000 tonnes from several international suppliers.
On Bladi.net : U.S. Phosphorus Reserves Could Run Out in 40 Years: Morocco Becomes Indispensable
In this context, Morocco is taking a particularly important position in the phosphate fertiliser segment. The new orders come as Moroccan phosphate reserves and capacities are becoming strategic for several major markets, particularly the United States.