Casablanca – In recent developments, the OCP Group, Morocco’s state-owned phosphate giant, continues to expand its global footprint, with a notable increase in fertilizer exports to Romania. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to boost its presence in the European market and support the agricultural sector in Romania.

In early March 2025, Romania received a significant shipment of Moroccan fertilizers via the “Basic Island” vessel, which docked at the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea. The cargo, which weighed a total of 38,000 tons, included a variety of compound fertilizers designed to meet the growing needs of Romanian farmers. More than 30,000 tons of this shipment were imported by the Romanian company “Seefco,” which serves as a key distributor of fertilizers in the country. This delivery represents one of several large-scale shipments from Morocco that have reached Romania over the past few months.

Gabriel Ionescu, the CEO of Seefco, confirmed that the company had already contracted over two-thirds of the cargo, underscoring the ongoing demand for fertilizers in Romania. With a relatively late delivery cycle this year due to global supply chain disruptions, Seefco is expected to complete distribution to its customers within the next two weeks.

Romanian fertilizer imports in 2024 were heavily reliant on external suppliers, with Russia emerging as the largest exporter to the country, providing over 317,000 tons. However, the geopolitical landscape, particularly the European Union’s concerns about the security of its food supplies, has led Romania to seek more diversified sources of fertilizers. In this context, Morocco has become an increasingly important player, providing more than 121,000 tons of fertilizers last year. This places Morocco as the second-largest supplier of fertilizers to Romania, following Russia.

The OCP Group’s role in this expanding market is further cemented by its strategic partnership with the Emirati “Al-Dahra” Group. The two companies are jointly establishing a regional center in Romania with an investment capital of $5 million. This center will focus on importing, storing, and distributing fertilizers not only within Romania but also across neighboring markets in the region. This partnership aligns with OCP’s broader goal of strengthening its presence in European markets and enhancing its ability to supply fertilizers more efficiently.

Despite these positive developments, Romania’s fertilizer sector is facing challenges, especially with regard to the rising costs and supply delays. Ionescu highlighted that delays in international orders, coupled with increased global demand, have led to higher fertilizer prices and the postponement of deliveries to April, which he described as problematic for farmers. The country’s spring fertilizer consumption typically reaches around 300,000 tons, but with only 100,000 tons imported so far in 2025, there are concerns over potential shortages as the planting season begins.

Romania’s dependence on imports for more than 60% of its fertilizer needs emphasizes the critical role of international suppliers like Morocco. In light of ongoing global supply challenges, the OCP Group’s strategic focus on reliability and timely deliveries has positioned it as a crucial partner for Romanian farmers.

The partnership between OCP and Al-Dahra further strengthens this strategic alignment, as it provides both entities with the necessary infrastructure to meet the agricultural needs of Romania and its neighbors. This move is also expected to help Romania reduce its reliance on Russian fertilizer exports, offering a more diversified and stable supply chain.

As the global fertilizer market continues to experience fluctuations, Morocco’s robust export capabilities and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders like Seefco and Al-Dhahra are expected to continue playing a pivotal role in Romania’s agricultural development. With a focus on efficiency, reliability, and market expansion, OCP is poised to remain a key player in Romania’s agricultural sector for years to come.

Morocco’s OCP Group is positioning itself as a crucial fertilizer supplier to Romania, providing high-quality products and building strategic partnerships in the region. The increasing volume of fertilizer exports, coupled with the establishment of a regional center, ensures that OCP will continue to play an integral role in meeting Romania’s agricultural needs while also enhancing its own market presence in Europe.