Ammonia market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Spain's ammonia market volume expanded from 483.4 thousand tonnes to 522.8 thousand tonnes. This growth period coincided with the introduction of Royal Decree 818/2018, which set national ammonia emission limits, followed by an increase in the emission ceiling in 2020 driven by the expansion of pig megafarms. The higher allowable emissions likely supported ammonia demand for agricultural use during these years.

After peaking in 2020, the market contracted sharply, falling to 351.7 thousand tonnes in 2023. This decline aligned with the revision of the National Air Pollution Control Program in 2021, which set an 18% ammonia reduction target for 2025, and its subsequent update in 2023 that strengthened emission controls in the livestock and agricultural sectors. These measures reduced overall ammonia consumption. A partial recovery to 385.0 thousand tonnes occurred in 2024, supported by the entry into force of Royal Decree 92/2024 limiting slurry application methods and the creation of the Spanish Renewable Ammonia Association, which promotes innovation and demand for green ammonia.

Production ammonia in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's ammonia production was valued at 68 725 thousand US dollars, marking a 7.7% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2020, production actually declined by 7.8%, with an average annual decrease of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 63 840 thousand US dollars, which also saw the sharpest decline of 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 166.7 thousand tonnes of ammonia, representing a moderate 6.4% increase compared to 2019. The previous year, 2019, had the lowest production volume at 156.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 4.8% occurring during that period.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports ammonia from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Ammonia exports from Spain declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 66.9 thousand tonnes, down 9.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 19.9%, with an average annual decline of 7.1%. The peak was in 2018 at 106.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 27.0%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 30.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal was the primary destination for Spain's ammonia exports in volume terms, accounting for 92.8% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Ammonia exports from Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 18.8 million US dollars, reflecting an 18.4% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 35.4%, with an average annual decline of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal was the dominant market for Spain's ammonia exports in value terms, representing 90.6% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports ammonia to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Ammonia imports into Spain declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 423.0 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria was the main source for Spain's ammonia imports in volume terms, holding an 82.1% share, while the remainder was distributed among various other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Ammonia imports into Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value was recorded at 103.8 million US dollars, a significant 13.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 28.7%, with an average annual decline of 10.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 146.6 million US dollars, which also saw a slight increase of 0.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 18.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Algeria dominated Spain's ammonia imports in value terms, accounting for 82.7% of the total, with the rest spread across multiple smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020