US fertilizers measuring Milton damages but appear limited with only short production delay

Mark Milam

15-Oct-2024

HOUSTON (ICIS)–The fertilizer industry, like the rest of the Tampa, Florida, community, was still feeling the effects from Hurricane Milton even days after the storm as producers continue to assess damages and determine the impact this might have on their production.

With electrical power steadily being restored, the cleaning up efforts are also making progress with flooding appearing to have had the most far-reaching consequences as the incredible powerful hurricane is estimated to have unleashed 3.4 trillion gallons of water upon Florida.

As a key hub for fertilizers in the US, with both production and logistics as well as storage and corporate offices, there had been concerns over how much destruction could have been experienced if it had not weakened some before landfall or had made a direct strike into Tampa.

Industry sources within the area said some normality to everyday life was returning with market activity likely needing several more days to recover.  As a participant said it is “all good here, got power everywhere now. No damage to the office or homes.”

For producers, the review of the consequences of Milton were still at hand but considering the magnitude of the event it looks like the industry’s assets held up fairly well and that output of phosphates will only see a very short delay.

With their White Springs phosphate facility located within Florida, Canadian fertilizer producer Nutrien had previously said it was not impacted by Hurricane Milton, but it was by the earlier strike of Hurricane Helene, with those affects still underway.

“The timeline for re-starting our White Springs phosphate facility continues to be assessed. We are working with our customers on any potential impacts to supply,” said a Nutrien spokesperson.

Having not completely escaped the wrath of Milton, Mosaic had confirmed on 14 October that there was limited damage to their facilities and warehouse product.

The producer is expecting to resume full production in the coming days, and also said there was no significant environmental impacts that occurred due to the storm.

It is understood that producer Yara did not suffer any damages or lost time at its ammonia plants from the hurricane.

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