Conflict sows fertiliser shock

THE impact from reduced availability of fertilisers on the global market as a result of the Middle East conflict could take a while before it feeds into prices for consumer goods like vegetables, meats and staples, as well as the yields of Malaysia’s palm oil sector.

The conflict zone previously supplied about 30% of globally traded fertiliser, but exports have halted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to production assets.