Introduction – Canada’s Urea Market by the Numbers
Canada might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of urea production, but it plays a quietly powerful role in global trade. With vast agricultural needs and a mature fertilizer sector, Canada has become both a significant importer and a strategic exporter of urea.
In 2023 alone, Canada exported over 733,000 metric tons of urea, valued at $371.9 million, with the U.S. soaking up nearly all of that volume. But here’s the twist: Canada also imported more than 1.1 million metric tons, worth $544 million, making it a net importer. That dual status creates a unique market dynamic—one where choosing the right supplier isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
To make informed decisions, businesses need more than just names and prices. They need data-backed insights, verified supplier records, and real-time market signals. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in—providing RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends, supplier verification, and export track records to help buyers navigate this complex market confidently.
So, if you’re looking to source urea from Canada, this guide breaks down the Top 9 Urea Suppliers in Canada in Q3 2025, backed by performance data, export stats, and real buyer reviews.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s dive into the numbers that matter.
🇨🇦 Canada’s Production Overview
Canada’s domestic urea production has been relatively stable but hasn’t shown significant growth since its peak in 2021. In 2024, production value dipped slightly, signaling a plateau. This stagnation in output means the country still heavily relies on imports to meet local demand.
🌍 Export Snapshot
In 2023, Canada exported:
- 733,066 metric tons of urea
- Valued at $371.9 million
- 99.8% of it went to the United States
- Minor exports also reached Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and Australia
Despite being a net importer, Canada’s export performance—especially to the U.S.—remains robust.
📦 Import Dependency
- 1.1 million metric tons imported in 2023
- Valued at $544 million
- Major sources: USA (498,200 tons), Algeria (269,400 tons), Turkmenistan (86,900 tons)
That’s a 10% drop from 2022, indicating shifting global supply flows and possibly better domestic stock management.
📈 Demand Signals from Freshdi
Freshdi’s RFQ data shows consistent volume in urea inquiries, especially from agri-businesses and distributors in Ontario and the Prairies. This aligns with Canada’s massive agricultural belt, where urea is a key nitrogen source for crops.
Moreover, seasonal spikes in RFQs are often seen between March and June—just before the main planting season—making Q1 and Q2 critical for sourcing efforts.
Top 9 Verified Urea Suppliers in Canada – Proven Export Performers
Choosing a supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, reliability, and verified credentials. Here are the Top 9 Urea Suppliers in Canada for Q3 2025, all verified and vetted through Freshdi:
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Al Afaq
Known for consistent export volumes and a strong presence in North American markets. -
Mark Albert
A preferred supplier for bulk agricultural buyers, praised for fast dispatch and transparent pricing. -
HBJ Management & Consulting Inc.
Specializes in custom sourcing solutions and has an excellent track record with mid-size distributors. -
Moukthika Enterprizes
Known for flexible MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) and responsive customer support. -
TQM Energy Consultants Inc.
Offers competitive pricing and a strong logistics network for Western Canada. -
Jozani Group Inc
A growing force in the urea market with recent expansions into European exports. -
Rene Sadi
Gained attention for high-quality urea prills and granular urea, with ISO certification. -
Stablewood Financial Limited
Offers financial solutions alongside fertilizer supply—ideal for buyers with flexible payment needs. -
Kelvin Darwish
A boutique supplier with personalized service and a stellar 5-star rating on Freshdi.
🔄 Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings and supplier visibility on platforms like Freshdi are updated quarterly. Metrics like RFQ response time, fulfillment rates, and buyer reviews influence the “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” list.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Understanding market movements helps businesses make smart buying decisions. Here’s how to navigate Canada’s urea market like a pro.
📊 Demand Patterns by Variant
There’s growing interest in granular urea (46-0-0) due to its versatility and ease of application. Prilled urea, though still widely used, is seeing a slight dip in demand, especially in regions transitioning to precision agriculture.
According to Freshdi’s RFQ data, granular urea accounted for 65% of total inquiries in Q2 and Q3 2025.
📉 Seasonal Pricing Trends
Urea prices tend to spike:
- February to April: Pre-planting season
- September to October: Post-harvest soil enrichment
On the flip side, July and December often show price dips due to lower demand and inventory clearing.
Historical data suggests buyers who lock in contracts during off-peak months can save up to 12-18% annually.
📦 Export Logistics and Strategy
With rail networks being critical to fertilizer distribution in Canada, disruptions—like those seen in August 2024—can severely impact timelines and costs. Always check with your supplier about contingency plans and shipping options.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Canada’s urea market stands at a crossroads of robust domestic demand and strategic export potential. While production hasn’t boomed lately, the country’s export consistency—especially to the U.S.—makes it a solid sourcing destination.
But remember, not all suppliers are created equal. Choosing the right partner means looking at more than just pricing—it’s about export history, logistics capabilities, certifications, and buyer reviews.
Platforms like Freshdi take the guesswork out of supplier selection. With real-time RFQ insights, verified supplier profiles, and trade statistics, businesses can make smarter, faster, and safer sourcing decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Canada exported 733,066 MT of urea in 2023, mostly to the U.S.
- Imports are still high, making Canada a net importer despite strong exports.
- Verified suppliers on Freshdi offer reliability and transparent transaction histories.
- Seasonal trends affect pricing—buy smart by timing your purchases.
- Rail logistics and global energy prices are key market influencers.
Checklist for Urea Buyers in Canada
✅ Identify the urea variant you need (granular, prilled, coated)
✅ Use Freshdi to compare supplier reviews, RFQ activity & certifications
✅ Time your purchase based on seasonal price trends
✅ Confirm logistics capacity, especially during peak rail usage months
✅ Request samples or documentation to validate product quality
Future Outlook
As global demand for food and fertilizers grows, Canada’s position in the urea trade will only become more strategic. With countries like Qatar expanding production, global supply chains are shifting. Canadian businesses must stay agile—leveraging platforms like Freshdi to track supplier performance, monitor pricing changes, and respond quickly to market shifts.
The smart buyers of tomorrow are already using data today.
FAQs
1. Why does Canada import urea despite being a producer?
Canada’s domestic production can’t fully meet its agricultural demand, so it supplements with imports—mostly from the U.S.
2. What’s the difference between granular and prilled urea?
Granular urea is larger, spreads more evenly, and resists caking. Prilled urea is finer and better for blending with other fertilizers.
3. When is the best time to buy urea in Canada?
Prices are usually lowest in July and December—off-peak seasons with less demand.
4. How do I verify a urea supplier in Canada?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access verified profiles, buyer reviews, and RFQ history.
5. What’s the impact of rail disruptions on fertilizer supply?
Huge. With 75% of fertilizer moved by rail, disruptions can cost the industry $55–$63 million per day, affecting delivery timelines and prices.
References
- IndexBox – Urea Market Insights Canada
- World Bank Trade Statistics – Urea Exports
- IndexBox – Urea Price Trends Canada
- Reuters – QatarEnergy Urea Expansion
- Reuters – Nutrien Strategy Update
- Reuters – Fertilizer Rail Disruption Costs
