Urea 46 Trade and Export from İskenderun
Introduction
Urea 46 stands out as one of the most efficient and heavily traded nitrogen-based fertilizers in global markets. With 46% nitrogen concentration, it ensures both affordability and productivity. Consequently, it has become indispensable for modern agriculture. Moreover, as environmental regulations become stricter, Urea 46 has gained significant relevance in industrial sectors as well.
Although Turkey is not a primary producer of Urea 46, it plays a vital role in global distribution. Specifically, the Port of İskenderun in southern Turkey has evolved into a re-export hub, offering unmatched access to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Thanks to its strategic location and advanced logistics infrastructure, İskenderun supports fast and reliable export operations.
What is Urea 46?
Urea 46 is a synthetic nitrogen compound with the formula CO(NH₂)₂. Manufacturers produce it by reacting ammonia (NH₃) with carbon dioxide (CO₂) under high temperature and pressure. As a result, they obtain a white crystalline substance, which appears as granules or prills. Given its high nitrogen content, it remains the most concentrated solid nitrogen fertilizer on the market.
Beyond its agricultural use, Urea 46 is also critical in various industrial processes. For example, it serves as a key ingredient in AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), which helps reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines. Consequently, the product serves a dual purpose—enhancing crop yield and supporting environmental sustainability.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Urea 46% N (Technical / Agricultural Grade) |
| Chemical Formula | CO(NH₂)₂ |
| Nitrogen Content | 46% (minimum) |
| Biuret Content | Max. 1.0% |
| Moisture | Max. 0.5% |
| Granule Size | 1–4 mm (90% minimum) |
| Melting Point | ~132°C |
| Solubility in Water | 100% |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| AdBlue Suitability | Yes (technical-grade, high-purity only) |
| Packaging Options | 50 kg / 500 kg / 1000 kg bags |
| HS Code | 31021000 |
Where and How Is Urea 46 Used?
Agricultural Applications
Farmers around the world use Urea 46 to increase crop productivity. Because it provides an immediate nitrogen boost, it benefits a wide variety of plants:
- Field crops such as wheat, corn, cotton, and rice
- Horticultural crops like vegetables and fruits
- Greenhouse production via foliar spraying or drip irrigation
Industrial Applications
Industries rely on Urea 46 for several processes:
- It is the core component in AdBlue, composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water.
- It contributes to the production of melamine, resins, plastics, and adhesives.
- It supports various pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis pathways.
Who Uses Urea 46?
| Sector | User Profile |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Farmers, agro-cooperatives, distributors |
| Automotive & Energy | AdBlue producers, diesel fleet operators |
| Manufacturing | Chemical industries, melamine producers |
| International Aid | NGOs, food programs, development agencies |
Export Operations from İskenderun
İskenderun has increasingly positioned itself as a logistics powerhouse for Urea 46 re-export. Unlike producing nations, Turkey imports Urea 46 from Oman, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. After clearing it through customs or placing it in bonded warehouses, exporters dispatch the product to global markets.
Thanks to its access to key shipping lanes and industrial zones, İskenderun provides cost-effective, high-volume export capabilities. Additionally, its compliance with EU regulations and SGS inspection services offers buyers transparency and peace of mind.
Why Choose İskenderun?
Several factors make İskenderun a preferred port for Urea 46 shipments:
- Location: It connects effortlessly to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Infrastructure: The port handles both bulk and containerized shipments efficiently.
- Customs Process: Fast documentation, supported by SGS inspection and REACH-compliant certification
- Proximity to Free Zones: Facilitates tax-advantaged storage and transshipment
Main Export Markets
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Middle East | Iraq, Syria, Jordan |
| North Africa | Egypt, Libya, Tunisia |
| Europe | Italy, Greece, Romania |
| Asia (via transit) | Pakistan, India, Bangladesh |
Trade Conditions and Terms
Turkish exporters typically conduct Urea 46 transactions using FOB, CFR, or CIF Incoterms. Buyers can choose from flexible documentation and payment arrangements:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Oman, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan |
| Minimum Quantity | 1,000 MT |
| Delivery Terms | FOB İskenderun, CIF destination ports |
| Inspection | SGS or equivalent |
| Payment Options | LC at sight, SBLC, or partial TT |
| Documentation | COO, Invoice, MSDS, Packing List, B/L |
Note: ATABAŞ GRUP operates in full compliance with Turkish and international laws. No sales are conducted to embargoed nations. Documentation is transparent and available for buyer verification at all stages.
Conclusion
As global agriculture intensifies and environmental regulations grow tighter, Urea 46 continues to play a critical dual role in both sectors. Turkey, while not a producer, leverages its unique geographic advantage to serve as a regional distributor and gateway for global buyers.
With ports like İskenderun providing seamless export operations and access to high-quality product from Central Asia and the Gulf, companies like ATABAŞ GRUP offer a trusted, efficient, and fully compliant supply chain solution for international Urea 46 procurement.