Urea N46 Fertilizer: The Complete Guide for Southeast Asian Importers
Everything you need to know about sourcing urea 46% nitrogen fertilizer from China: specifications, pricing, shipping, major buyers, and country-specific import requirements for Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
1. What Is Urea 46%?
Urea (CO(NH₂)₂) is the world's most widely used nitrogen fertilizer, accounting for over 50% of global nitrogen fertilizer consumption. With a nitrogen content of 46%, it is the most concentrated solid nitrogen fertilizer available — nearly three times more concentrated than ammonium sulfate (21% N).
China is the world's largest urea producer and exporter, making it the natural supply source for Southeast Asian markets. The proximity advantage (3-10 day shipping vs 20-30 days from the Middle East) combined with competitive pricing makes Chinese urea the preferred choice for SEA importers.
2. Urea Specifications: Granular vs Prilled
| Parameter | Granular Urea | Prilled Urea |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ≥ 46.0% | ≥ 46.0% |
| Biuret | ≤ 0.8%~1.0% | ≤ 0.8%~1.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.3%~0.5% | ≤ 0.3%~0.5% |
| Particle Size | 2.0 - 4.75 mm (90% min) | 1.0 - 3.35 mm (90% min) |
| Hardness | Higher (less crushing) | Lower |
| Price Premium | +$5-15/MT over prilled | — |
| Best For | Bulk blending, mechanical spreading | Manual application, dissolution |
3. HS Code & Import Classification
Urea fertilizer is classified under HS Code 3102.10 (Mineral or chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous). The specific subheading is 3102.10.00 for urea containing more than 45% nitrogen by weight on the dry anhydrous product.
Under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), urea exported from China to most ASEAN countries qualifies for reduced or zero import duties with a Certificate of Origin (Form E). This is a significant cost advantage over non-FTA suppliers.
4. Southeast Asia Urea Import Markets (2024-2025 Data)
$181M import market · 80+ active buyers · Key importers: Petrovietnam Ca Mau, PVFCCo (Phu My), Gia Huy Trading · Main ports: Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong · Growing 35% YoY (Jan-Jul 2025)
Major importer despite domestic production · Pupuk Indonesia group is largest buyer · Growing imports for NPK blending · Ports: Jakarta, Surabaya
Rice & corn production drives demand · Multiple small-medium importers · FOB/CIF Manila, Davao, Cebu · Growing at 5-8% annually
Large agricultural base (rice, rubber, sugarcane) · Competitive import market · Main ports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang · Chinese urea ~25% market share
Palm oil plantations are largest consumers · FGV, Sime Darby, IOI Group · Ports: Port Klang, Penang, Pasir Gudang · Steady 3-5% annual growth
Emerging market with high growth potential · Rice-based agriculture · Small-medium import volumes · Port: Yangon (Thilawa)
5. How to Import Urea from China — Step by Step
- Send an inquiry with your required quantity, destination port, and preferred grade (granular/prilled). We source quotes from 3-5 qualified Chinese urea manufacturers.
- Compare offers — we provide FOB and CIF pricing, delivery timelines, and supplier profiles so you can make an informed decision.
- Sign contract — Sales & Purchase Agreement with clear specifications, payment terms (T/T or L/C), delivery schedule, and quality clauses.
- Arrange inspection — Optional but recommended: SGS or Bureau Veritas pre-shipment inspection at the factory or port.
- Ship & clear customs — 3-7 days transit to Vietnam/Philippines, 7-10 days to Indonesia. Documents provided: COA, Certificate of Origin (Form E), Phytosanitary Certificate, B/L, Invoice, Packing List.
6. FAQ — Urea Import & Sourcing
What payment terms are standard for urea imports?
Standard terms: 30% T/T advance + 70% against B/L copy (for orders under $100K). Irrevocable L/C at sight for larger orders. We help negotiate terms that protect both parties.
How to verify urea quality before shipment?
Three methods: (1) Request a 500g pre-shipment sample for lab testing, (2) Hire SGS/BV/Intertek for independent pre-shipment inspection (~$300-500/container), (3) Witness container loading to prevent cargo substitution. We coordinate all three.
What is the minimum order quantity for urea from China?
Trial orders: 5-10 containers (125-250 MT). Regular supply: 500-5,000 MT per shipment. Bulk vessel: 25,000-50,000 MT for the most competitive pricing. We can arrange any scale.
Can urea be shipped in bulk or only in bags?
Both. Bagged: 50kg PP woven bags in 20ft containers (~20-25 MT). Bulk: vessels of 25,000-50,000+ MT to ports with bulk fertilizer handling facilities (Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Bangkok). Bagged is more common for trial/small orders.
Sourcing Urea for Southeast Asia?
Get competitive CIF quotes from multiple Chinese urea manufacturers. Multi-supplier comparison, SGS inspection, and complete export documentation.
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