Buying bulk UAN fertilizer comes down to four decisions: the grade that suits your climate and storage, the COA parameters you will hold the supplier to, the price basis you compare offers on, and the tank logistics from load port to your terminal. Contracts and inspection work as in our [urea](/blog-article/how-to-source-bulk-urea-fertilizer-importers) and [AN/CAN](/blog-article/how-to-buy-bulk-ammonium-nitrate-can-fertilizer-importers) guides.
What bulk UAN solution is
UAN is urea ammonium nitrate solution: urea and ammonium nitrate dissolved in water. It carries nitrogen in three forms. Nitrate N is available to the crop straight away, ammonium N is taken up a little later, and urea N has to convert in the soil first. That mix is why distributors sell UAN for top-dressing, fertigation, and spraying, and for blending with other liquid products. As a liquid, it needs tank storage, pumps, and liquid transport, so count those costs from the start.
UAN grades: 28, 30 and 32
Nitrogen content and density, per kg and per L
The grade number is the total nitrogen content by weight: UAN-28 carries 28% N, UAN-30 carries 30% N, and UAN-32 carries 32% N.
Because the percentage is by weight, a kg of UAN-32 holds more nitrogen than a kg of UAN-28. Many end users measure liquid fertilizer by the L, though, and density differs between grades. To convert, use the density stated on the supplier's COA or product specification for that exact cargo, not a figure from a different source.
Choosing a grade for climate and storage
At low temperatures the dissolved salts can crystallize out of solution. This is called salting out. The more concentrated the grade, the earlier it happens as the temperature drops, so UAN-32 is the most exposed and UAN-28 the least. Buyers in colder markets, or with unheated tanks that hold product over winter, often choose UAN-28 for that reason. In warmer markets UAN-32 usually wins because it moves more nitrogen per kg of freight. Ask your supplier for the salting-out point of the grade offered, and check it against your own storage conditions.
Specs to check on the COA
Ask for a guaranteed value, a test method, and the issuing lab for each line. State in the contract whose analysis is final.
| Parameter | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total N % | Defines the grade and the nitrogen you pay for |
| Urea N | Part of the N split; affects agronomy and labeling |
| Ammonium N | Part of the N split; check it against the grade |
| Nitrate N | Part of the N split; often a registration item |
| Density | Needed to convert between kg and L |
| pH | Affects corrosion and compatibility in mixes |
| Corrosion inhibitor | Protects carbon steel tanks, pipes, and vessel holds |
| Free ammonia | Affects odor, losses, and handling |
| Biuret | Can harm sensitive crops when sprayed |
| Appearance / insolubles | Sediment blocks nozzles and filters |
Some markets set their own requirements for the N split or labeling. Confirm them locally before you fix the spec.
How UAN is shipped and stored
Transport
Large lots move in the tanks of chemical or product carriers, discharged into shore tanks at the import terminal. Smaller lots ship in ISO tanks, and some suppliers offer flexitanks in standard containers. Inland, UAN moves by road tanker or rail. Ask for the cleaning history of the previous cargoes in vessel tanks and ISO tanks, since residues can contaminate the product.
Storage tanks, inhibitor and handling
UAN is corrosive to carbon steel without an inhibitor, so confirm the inhibitor on the COA and ask whether tanks need topping up with inhibitor during long storage. Tanks should be compatible with UAN, inspected, and fitted with secondary containment where local rules require it. Keep different grades and other liquids separate, and flush lines between products. Follow the supplier's SDS for handling and spill response.
How bulk UAN is priced
Price basis: per kg of product vs per kg of nitrogen
UAN is quoted on a weight basis for the product. Since grades differ in N content, the useful comparison is price per kg of nitrogen: divide the product price by the N content. If your customers buy by the L, convert using the cargo's stated density.
Incoterms FOB/CFR/DAP and price drivers
Offers are usually FOB at the load port or CFR at your discharge port. DAP to a terminal or inland point appears in some regional trades, especially by road or rail. Compare all offers on a landed cost per kg of N at your tank, including terminal charges and duties.
Price drivers to watch:
- Natural gas cost, the main feedstock for ammonia and urea.
- Urea benchmarks, which UAN prices tend to follow.
- Freight, including the availability of suitable tankers and ISO tanks.
- Season, since demand peaks ahead of top-dressing windows in major markets.
UAN vs urea and AN/CAN for a distributor's portfolio
Urea is the cheapest solid nitrogen per kg of N in many markets and is easy to store in bags or bulk sheds. AN and CAN give nitrate nitrogen in a solid form but bring security and oxidizer rules. UAN suits customers with sprayers or fertigation equipment and lets you blend with other liquids, but it requires tank infrastructure. Before adding UAN, compare the landed cost per kg of N with your [urea](/blog-article/how-to-source-bulk-urea-fertilizer-importers) and [AN/CAN](/blog-article/how-to-buy-bulk-ammonium-nitrate-can-fertilizer-importers) supply, and count the cost of tanks and liquid handling.
Supplier checks
- Producer or trader: find out which plant makes the product. A trader should name it, and the COA and certificate of origin should match.
- COA and third-party inspection: book an independent surveyor to sample at loading and check quantity in kg.
- Sample: test a sample of the offered grade yourself before you contract.
- Tank cleanliness certificate: ask for one for the vessel tanks or ISO tanks before loading.
- Payment terms: avoid large advance payments to unproven sellers. Letters of credit or staged payments tied to inspection give more protection.
- Track record: ask for references from buyers on a similar route, and be wary of prices well below the market.
Import compliance
Many countries require fertilizer registration and labeling before sale. Transport hazard classification for UAN can differ by mode and jurisdiction, so check the SDS and confirm with your forwarder. Rules vary by country, so confirm registration, labeling, and transport requirements with local authorities and your customs broker before the cargo ships.
FAQ
What is UAN fertilizer?
UAN is urea ammonium nitrate solution, a liquid nitrogen fertilizer made by dissolving urea and ammonium nitrate in water. It supplies nitrogen in nitrate, ammonium, and urea forms, which become available to the crop at different speeds. Distributors sell it for top-dressing, fertigation, and spraying, and it needs tank storage and liquid transport.
What is the difference between UAN-28, UAN-30 and UAN-32?
The number is total nitrogen by weight: 28%, 30%, or 32% N. Higher grades carry more nitrogen per kg and less water, which saves freight. They also salt out sooner as temperatures fall, so UAN-28 is often chosen for colder storage. Check the supplier's salting-out point for the grade offered against your own storage conditions.
How is bulk UAN priced?
Bulk UAN is quoted on a weight basis for the product, usually FOB at the load port or CFR at the discharge port, with DAP in some regional trades. Grades differ in N content, so compare offers per kg of nitrogen landed at your tank. Prices follow natural gas costs, urea benchmarks, freight, and seasonal demand.
How is UAN shipped and stored?
Large lots move in vessel tanks to shore tanks at the import terminal. Smaller lots ship in ISO tanks or flexitanks, and inland delivery is by road tanker or rail. Store UAN in compatible, inspected tanks with corrosion inhibitor, keep grades separate, plan for salting out in cold weather, and follow the supplier's SDS.
Ready to source or sell UAN? Post a UAN buy request on GetFertilizer with your grade, COA specs, quantity in kg, and delivery terms, or list your UAN if you are a supplier.