January Becomes Turning Point for Petrobras' Nitrogen Fertilizers

January Becomes Turning Point for Petrobras’ Nitrogen Fertilizers

Written by Sara Aquino

Published on 14/01/2026 at 11:13

FOTO: IA

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Urea Production in Brazil Resumes in January with Petrobras Strengthening Nitrogen Fertilizers and the National Agribusiness

Petrobras resumed nitrogen fertilizer production in the Northeast in January

reactivating the FAFEN plants in Sergipe and Bahia to manufacture ammonia, urea, and ARLA 32.

The initiative now involves initial investments of R$ 38 million in each unit, taking place at the industrial hubs of Laranjeiras (SE) and Camaçari (BA)

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FAFEN Northeast Expands Capacity and Reinforces Urea Production in Brazil

With both units in operation, FAFEN Northeast will have a combined capacity to produce 3,100 tons of urea per day.

This volume represents about 12% of the entire national market, a significant percentage in a scenario where Brazil primarily depends on imports to meet its demand.

In Sergipe, the unit located in Laranjeiras began urea production on January 3, after restarting ammonia production on December 31, 2025.

The plant has a daily capacity of 1,800 tons, equivalent to 7% of national urea consumption.

In Bahia, the Camaçari factory completed its maintenance in December 2025 and is in the commissioning phase, a technical step that precedes full operational startup.

The expectation is that urea production at the Bahia unit will begin by the end of January, with a capacity of 1,300 tons per day, about 5% of the Brazilian market.

Integrated Logistics Strengthens Nitrogen Fertilizers

The operation in Bahia goes beyond industrial production.

The complex includes ammonia and urea maritime terminals at the Port of Aratu in Candeias, which improves the logistics of bulk handling and distribution of nitrogen fertilizers.

This factor is strategic for reducing costs, ensuring a steady supply, and increasing the competitiveness of domestic products over imports.

Furthermore, the use of natural gas as the main raw material in the production process strengthens the integration of the energy chain with the fertilizer industry, adding value to the input and enhancing industrial efficiency.

National Production Reduces Dependence on Imported Fertilizers

Currently, all urea consumed in Brazil is imported, exposing the country to currency, geopolitical, and logistical risks.

In this context, the resumption of FAFEN in the Northeast represents an important step towards reducing dependence on imported fertilizers.

“Currently, all urea consumed in Brazil is imported.

With the resumption of national production, Petrobras increases the supply of the input in the domestic market, reduces external dependence, and strengthens the agribusiness production chain,” said William França, director of industrial processes and products at the company.

Therefore, increasing urea production in Brazil directly contributes to the security of agricultural supply, especially in a global scenario marked by conflicts, trade restrictions, and price volatility.

FAFEN Northeast and the Goal of Expanding National Production

According to Petrobras, the two FAFENs in the Northeast, combined with the Araucária Nitrogenados plant in Paraná, will account for about 20% of the entire national urea demand.

However, the company’s strategy goes beyond the current resumption.

“The two FAFENs, along with Araucária Nitrogenados, will account for 20% of the total urea demand in Brazil.

Our expectation is to raise national production to 35% in the coming years, with a new plant under construction in Mato Grosso do Sul,” said William França.

This expansion plan reinforces the role of the state-owned company in rebuilding the industrial policy of nitrogen fertilizers

considered essential to reduce the country’s external vulnerability.

Job Creation Boosts Regional Economy

In addition to the productive and strategic impacts, the resumption of factories in the Northeast also brings direct effects to the labor market.

According to Petrobras, reactivating the units generates 1,350 direct jobs and about 4,050 indirect jobs, boosting the local and regional economy.

Meanwhile, states like Sergipe and Bahia benefit from the reactivation of relevant industrial hubs, with positive effects on income, services, and tax revenues.

Nitrogen Fertilizers at the Center of Agricultural Strategy

In a country that ranks among the largest food producers in the world, ensuring the supply of nitrogen fertilizers is a strategic matter.

Thus, the resumption of urea production in Brazil, through FAFEN Northeast, repositions Petrobras in a key segment

Thus, contributing to a more competitive agribusiness less dependent on foreign sources.

January Becomes Turning Point for Petrobras’ Nitrogen Fertilizers

Urea Production in Brazil Resumes in January with Petrobras Strengthening Nitrogen Fertilizers and the National Agribusiness

FAFEN Northeast Expands Capacity and Reinforces Urea Production in Brazil

Integrated Logistics Strengthens Nitrogen Fertilizers

National Production Reduces Dependence on Imported Fertilizers

FAFEN Northeast and the Goal of Expanding National Production

Job Creation Boosts Regional Economy

Nitrogen Fertilizers at the Center of Agricultural Strategy

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January Becomes Turning Point for Petrobras’ Nitrogen Fertilizers

Urea Production in Brazil Resumes in January with Petrobras Strengthening Nitrogen Fertilizers and the National Agribusiness

FAFEN Northeast Expands Capacity and Reinforces Urea Production in Brazil

Integrated Logistics Strengthens Nitrogen Fertilizers

National Production Reduces Dependence on Imported Fertilizers

FAFEN Northeast and the Goal of Expanding National Production

Job Creation Boosts Regional Economy

Nitrogen Fertilizers at the Center of Agricultural Strategy

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