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Bioenergy Heat Raises Global Fertilizer Prices
Domestic experts have emphasized the importance of carefully balancing the use of various energy sources. According to the latest data from the State Customs, the country imported 6.46 million tons of fertilizer in the first half of this year, valued at approximately $1.51 billion—a 23.5% and 32.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This reflects a broader trend of rising global fertilizer prices. Analysts note that the rapid expansion of bioenergy in countries like the United States has significantly boosted demand for chemical fertilizers, contributing to a sharp rise in global fertilizer prices.
Global oil price volatility has driven many nations to invest more in bioenergy. In the U.S., bioenergy production has surpassed 10 million tons and is still growing. The U.S. aims to increase the share of bioenergy in transportation fuels to over 7% by 2012. The EU plans to add 5.75% of bioenergy to its transport sector within the next decade, while Japan targets a 10% increase. Brazil, a major player in bioenergy, is expected to raise its biofuel blend to between 20% and 25% in the coming years.
The growth of bioenergy has significantly increased the demand for corn-based crops. Corn is no longer just used in food and feed industries; it's now widely used in producing starch, lysine, and fuel ethanol. As a result, the area dedicated to corn cultivation has expanded globally. Currently, about 20% of total corn planting is used for biofuel production, with projections showing this could rise to 35% in the next three to four years. In China’s northeast, major corn processing companies already have an annual capacity exceeding 10 million tons.
This surge in demand has led to a significant increase in global fertilizer consumption, pushing up international fertilizer prices. For example, DAP prices in Tampa, U.S., rose from $256 per ton in early January 2007 to $422 per ton by late March—up 65%. Similarly, urea prices in the U.S. Gulf region climbed from $220 per ton in November 2006 to $362 per ton by March 2007, also a 65% increase.
While some domestic experts acknowledge that bioenergy offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels and can stimulate related industries, they also caution that the fertilizer industry is highly energy-intensive. The more it produces, the more energy it consumes. To reduce energy use, society must carefully evaluate the trade-offs between benefits and energy costs.
In addition, global energy prices—including coal, electricity, and gas—have been under upward pressure this year. To prevent energy shortages, several countries, such as Egypt and Indonesia, have imposed restrictions on the export of urea. These measures highlight the growing global competition for energy resources and the need for sustainable and balanced energy strategies.