Phosphate fertilizers
DAP 18-46-0 — Diammonium Phosphate for Bulk Import
FOB Black Sea / MENA · CFR/CIF worldwide on request
Key parameters
Full specification
| Total nitrogen (N) | 18.0% min |
| Available phosphorus (P2O5) | 46.0% min |
| Water-soluble P2O5 | 90.0% min of total P2O5 |
| Moisture | 1.5% max |
| Granule size | 2–4 mm, 90% min on sieve |
| Granule strength | 3.0 kg min (crush test) |
| Colour | Grey to light brown |
| Form | Granular |
| HS code | 3105.30 |
Full product details
Product overview
Diammonium phosphate at the 18-46-0 grade is the world's most traded phosphate fertilizer — a single granule delivers 46% P2O5 and 18% N at planting, when root systems need both nutrients most. We supply granular DAP from Black Sea and MENA origins to importers running maize, wheat, sunflower, cotton and oilseed programmes across South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America.
Water-soluble phosphate exceeds 90%, meaning phosphorus becomes plant-available within days of application rather than requiring weeks of soil mineralisation. That fast release makes DAP the benchmark starter for broadcast or incorporated application at sowing, particularly on phosphorus-deficient soils where early root development drives final yield.
Typical buyers include national fertilizer distributors building seasonal inventory ahead of planting windows, NPK compound blenders feeding DAP into pan granulators alongside urea and MOP, and agricultural cooperatives tendering for government subsidy programmes. HS code 3105.30.
Loading ports & logistics
Bulk DAP moves in geared or gearless bulk carriers from 3,000 MT minimum up to 25,000 MT handymax parcels depending on berth draft at load and discharge ports. Common FOB origins include Novorossiysk, Baltic corridor terminals, Damietta and Jebel Ali transhipment hubs.
Loading rates typically reach 5,000–10,000 MT per day at modern phosphate terminals. CFR and CIF quotations add ocean freight and marine insurance to the FOB DAP price; we nominate handysize to handymax tonnage aligned with your discharge draft limits. Contract lead time is 15–30 days from payment instrument confirmation to first day of laycan.
High phosphate density means lower freight cost per nutrient unit compared to MAP or triple superphosphate. Bagged alternatives ship in 20 ft or 40 ft containers — 50 kg PP bags with PE liner for landlocked destinations that cannot receive bulk vessels.
Packaging & documentation
Each lot ships with a mill certificate of analysis showing N, P2O5, water solubility and moisture results. On request we arrange SGS or equivalent pre-shipment inspection at load port. Standard document set: commercial invoice, packing list (bagged lots), bill of lading, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate where the destination customs regime requires it.
Payment terms: irrevocable LC at sight or CAD for first-time buyers; established accounts may negotiate open-account structures. Partial shipments are permitted under bulk contracts with multiple laycan windows.
FAQ
When should importers choose DAP 18-46-0 over MAP 12-52-0?
DAP delivers more nitrogen per tonne (18% vs 12%), making it the default starter for broad-acre cereals planted in autumn or spring. MAP suits banded row application and blends where sulphur is added separately. Both grades carry high water-soluble phosphate; the choice depends on nitrogen requirement at sowing.
Does bulk DAP require special storage at the discharge port?
DAP is non-hygroscopic under normal conditions but should be covered to prevent caking from rain exposure. Bulk silos or covered warehouses are standard. Shelf life exceeds 12 months when moisture ingress is controlled below 1.5%.