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Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN 27% N)

Granular CAN 27% N, nitrate and ammonium nitrogen with calcium

Calcium ammonium nitrate is the European field nitrogen: ammonium nitrate granulated with ground limestone or dolomite to a product of 26–27% total nitrogen, split roughly half nitrate and half ammoniacal, with calcium typically reported as 5–8% CaO. Nitrate nitrogen works immediately and does not volatilise the way urea does on warm, alkaline or dry soils, which is why CAN holds its place in top-dressing programmes for wheat, maize, vegetables, sugar beet and pasture despite a higher price per unit of N. The contract specification is short: total N 27% minimum (26% for some plants), moisture kept low because the product is hygroscopic, 90% of granules between 2 and 4 mm, and crushing strength (commonly around 3 MPa minimum on producer sheets) so that granules survive grab discharge and spinner spreaders without turning to dust.

UN Comtrade 2024 data put reported world exports of CAN (HS 3102.40) at about USD 2.17 billion, led by the Netherlands (26.0%), Belgium (17.1%), Germany (10.3%) and France (7.0%), with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Spain, Czechia and Türkiye behind them; Ukrainian producers in government-controlled territory report small volumes. CAN is listed as a reportable explosives precursor under EU Regulation 2019/1148, so buyers should expect the seller to ask for end-use and customer details, and a lot is sold only against a named receiver. CBIL brokers CAN against an SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas certificate of analysis for nitrogen by form, CaO, moisture, size and crushing strength, with a certificate of origin and destination import documents, in bulk, 50 kg PP bags and jumbo bags. Egypt applies a 10% export duty on nitrogen fertilizers under Decree No. 258 of 2026, which enters any Egyptian-origin offer. Prices follow published nitrate assessments such as Argus, CRU and Profercy, quoted per MT on grade and basis.

Need the ship as well? Our chartering desk prices bagged fertilizer freight on LaycanDesk.

Excluded origins are not offered, including product re-exported, blended or re-processed through a third country. Every lot moves with a certificate of origin naming the producing plant, mine or grower country, and nothing is quoted before the seller and loading point are known.

Indicative reference

Per MT, on grade USD / MT

as at September 2026

IncotermsFOB · CFR · CIF
OriginsNetherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, Türkiye
PackagingBulk vessel · 50 kg PP bags · 1 MT jumbo bags
HS Code3102.40

Reference level only — not an offer, and reviewed quarterly. Levels shown are as at September 2026. Firm pricing is quoted per RFQ, subject to volume, terms and inspection.

Typical Specification

Total Nitrogen (N)26–27% min
Nitrate / Ammoniacal NAbout half each
Calcium (CaO)5–8% typical
Granule Size 2–4 mm≥ 90%
Crushing StrengthPer producer sheet, commonly ≥ 3 MPa
MoistureLow; per producer sheet

Specifications are indicative and adjusted to the agreed contract and destination requirements. Final spec confirmed on COA / SGS.

Available Grades

CAN 27% N granularCAN 26% N granularCAN with magnesium (dolomite-based)CAN with sulphur (NS grades)

Applications

  • Top-dressing wheat and maize
  • Vegetables and sugar beet
  • Pasture and grassland
  • Fertilizer distribution & retail

Category

Agriculture & Fertilizers

Incoterms

FOB · CFR · CIF

Pricing basis

USD / MT

Inspection

SGS / Intertek at load port

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN 27% N) — buyer questions

CAN or urea: which should I buy?

Urea carries 46% N and is cheaper per unit of nitrogen; CAN carries 27% but its nitrate half acts at once and it loses far less nitrogen to the air on warm, dry or alkaline soils. Where top-dressing losses from urea are high, CAN often costs less per unit of nitrogen that actually reaches the crop. Compare delivered cost per effective unit of N, not the headline price.

What documents come with a CAN cargo?

A certificate of analysis from SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas for total, nitrate and ammoniacal nitrogen, CaO, moisture, granule size and crushing strength; a certificate of origin; and the import permits your country requires. Because CAN is a reportable explosives precursor in the EU, the seller will also ask for the receiver's name and end use before contracting.

Where does traded CAN come from?

UN Comtrade 2024 data show northern European producers dominate: the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France together shipped about 60% of reported exports, with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Spain, Czechia and Türkiye behind them. Tell us the discharge port and the bag or bulk requirement and we will work the origins that fit it.

How should CAN be stored?

Dry, covered and away from heat, fuel and organic material. CAN absorbs moisture and cakes, and poor granule strength shows up as dust after handling. Ask for a crushing-strength figure on the certificate and for lined bags on tropical routes.

Ready to source CAN?

Send your quantity, specification, preferred Incoterms and destination port. We'll verify supply and respond with a workable offer — usually within one business day.

Have CAN to sell? Submit an offer — we'll match it against live buyer demand.

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