OCP Strengthens Its Fertilizer Trade in Pakistan

OCP Group Enhances Collaboration with Pakistan in Fertilizer Development

The Moroccan group OCP is advancing its exchanges with Pakistan concerning fertilizers and crop nutrition that align with agricultural needs. On Thursday, October 1, in Lahore, representatives from OCP engaged in discussions with Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock for Punjab, about formulations that could better suit the soil characteristics of the province.

These discussions come amid a slowdown in the Pakistani market for phosphatic fertilizers. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) sales reached approximately 59,000 tons in September, marking a 39% decrease year-on-year and a 50% drop compared to August. In the first nine months of 2026, DAP sales totaled around 756,000 tons, a 5% decline compared to the same period in 2025.

Formulations Tailored to Punjab’s Crops

At the heart of these exchanges lies the necessity to adjust fertilizer use to meet the nutritional requirements of crops and to account for soil characteristics. Punjab, Pakistan’s main agricultural region, is particularly known for significant wheat, rice, and cotton production.

The approach advocated during the discussions emphasizes a balanced use of fertilizers to enhance yield per hectare while more accurately addressing crop needs. This technical dimension grants the exchanges between OCP and provincial authorities a significance that extends beyond mere fertilizer supply.

The meeting also follows a technical gathering held on September 30 with the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA). A delegation from OCP, led by Siham Jabrane, Director of Marketing for Custom Formulation, discussed fertilizer quality, food security, and technical cooperation possibilities with provincial officials.

Topics of discussion included the analysis of fertilizers, soil characterization, and the adaptation of formulations to meet the nutritional needs of the province’s major crops.

Pakistan’s DAP Market Faces Slowdown

The commercial landscape continues to reflect a decline in DAP sales within Pakistan. Approximately 278,000 tons were sold domestically from July to September, with 96,000 tons in July, 123,000 tons in August, and almost 59,000 tons in September.

By the end of September, inventories were estimated at around 259,000 tons. Punjab’s agricultural authorities pay particular attention to the availability of fertilizers necessary for the upcoming wheat season.

This development comes as seasonal needs for farmers must be anticipated to ensure supply during the preparation of winter crops.

At Least 71,630 Tons of Moroccan Products Identified

Documented trade flows reveal a portion of the exchanges between Morocco and Pakistan. Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), a Pakistani fertilizer producer, notably had a shipment of 50,000 tons arrive from Morocco, expected on July 10.

This shipment included 20,000 tons of DAP, 10,000 tons of triple superphosphate (TSP), and 20,000 tons of NPS fertilizer, combining nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. It was intended to bolster supply to farmers ahead of a period of high seasonal demand.

Additionally, another shipment of 21,630 tons of NPS, recorded under OCP Nutricrops, was noted on August 3. These flows thus total at least 71,630 tons of Moroccan products that can be publicly accounted for during the indicated period.

However, this figure does not constitute a comprehensive overview of Moroccan exports to Pakistan. Two bulk DAP movements dated July 31 also appear in the available trade records, but the corresponding quantities cannot be utilized. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately attribute a total volume to Moroccan shipments between July and October.

Jorf Lasfar at the Heart of Industrial Cooperation

Cooperation between Morocco and Pakistan in the fertilizer sector also rests on Pakistan Morocco Phosphate (PMP), a joint venture located in the Jorf Lasfar industrial complex, which combines OCP with Pakistani interests linked to Fauji.

PMP plays a crucial role in supplying Pakistani fertilizer manufacturers with phosphoric acid, a key raw material for the production of various phosphatic fertilizers.

During a visit to the complex on July 6, the Pakistani side emphasized the importance of a consistent supply of raw materials for the fertilizer industry, against a backdrop of international market disruptions and price volatility.

This visit also paved the way for discussions on a potential increase in capacities to meet future market needs in Pakistan.

No New Order Announced Yet

At this stage, discussions in Punjab remain focused on technical and agronomic aspects. No investment amounts, additional volumes, or timelines have been announced for a possible extension of production or supply capabilities.

Similarly, discussions around formulations tailored to local soils do not currently signify the announcement of a firm order or a new import commitment.

For OCP, the objective thus encompasses not only consolidating its trade flows with Pakistan but also developing a more targeted approach to fertilization, based on soil analysis and specific crop requirements. This strategy could ultimately strengthen the position of tailored plant nutrition solutions in exchanges between Morocco and one of South Asia’s key agricultural markets.