Russia, which controls 40% of the global trade in ammonium nitrate, has announced a temporary ban on its exports until April 21. The move is intended to ensure sufficient domestic supply for Russia’s spring planting season. However, this suspension adds to the global supply crunch caused by the closure of major maritime routes. The Russian agriculture ministry has stopped all existing licenses and will not issue new ones, except for specific government-to-government contracts. This decision is expected to drive up fertilizer prices globally, impacting agricultural productivity in importing nations.