Port Charges Dispute Threatens Trinidad’s Ammonia, Methanol Exports

A dispute over port charges in Trinidad and Tobago is jeopardizing the export of ammonia and methanol, critical products for the global market. The situation escalated when Nutrien announced it would temporarily shut down its plant on October 23, 2025, citing “port access restrictions” imposed by the National Energy Company (NEC), a subsidiary of the National Gas Company (NGC). This move has raised alarms among industry stakeholders, as the country is one of the world’s largest producers of these chemicals.

According to internal communications from Nutrien, the company has been forced to initiate a “controlled temporary shutdown” due to NEC’s confirmed intent to restrict access to the port. The implications of this decision extend beyond Nutrien, as other major producers, including Methanex and Proman, could face similar restrictions if they do not comply with proposed fee increases.

Proposed Increase in Port Charges

Trinidad’s NEC is seeking to increase port charges by as much as 200%, retroactively applied to 2020. This significant hike has raised concerns among producers who rely on the port for exports. If the proposed charges are implemented, companies could face severe financial strain. Both Methanex and Proman, two of the world’s largest methanol producers, along with Koch Industries’ majority-owned Point Lisas Nitrogen and Yara, are also affected by these potential charges and could be barred from exporting their products.

The situation comes at a time when Trinidad’s petrochemical sector is already grappling with gas shortages. Reports indicate that three out of five methanol plants operated by Proman have been shut down due to insufficient gas supply, while one of Methanex’s two plants is also idle. These operational disruptions have exacerbated the challenges facing the sector, which is critical to the local economy and international markets.

Impact on Global Markets

Trinidad is an essential player in the global ammonia market, supplying 37% of U.S. imports in 2024. The country is also the second-largest exporter of methanol and the largest exporter of urea to the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The potential disruptions in supply due to the port charge dispute could have ripple effects across various industries that rely on these chemicals.

In recent months, following the imposition of a 10% tariff on Trinidadian products by the administration of former President Donald Trump, Proman has redirected much of its methanol exports from the U.S. to European markets, as indicated by data from Trinidad’s Ministry of Trade. With several long-term supply contracts nearing expiration, the lack of new pricing offers from NGC has left producers in a precarious position.

The Trinidadian government, through its Energy Minister, has acknowledged the shutdown of the Nutrien plant and is reportedly in discussions with Nutrien and other stakeholders to find a resolution to the port charges issue. The outcome of these negotiations could determine the future stability of Trinidad’s petrochemical exports and its standing in the global market.

As discussions continue, the urgency of the situation persists, with the potential for further plant shutdowns looming if the port charges are enforced. The implications for both local producers and international markets remain significant, underscoring the interconnectedness of global supply chains in the chemical industry.