The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) industry is navigating a complex landscape marked by significant supply chain disruptions. These challenges are primarily attributed to scheduled maintenance activities at key production facilities.

Several major DEF production facilities are undergoing scheduled maintenance. Notably:

• CF Industries’ Donaldsonville Complex: The largest DEF plant in the United States is scheduled for a 6–8-week maintenance period starting this month. In anticipation, CF has maintained elevated spot pricing across its network, with expectations of continued high prices throughout the turnaround.

• CF Woodward and Yazoo City Plants: These facilities are slated for maintenance in August and September, respectively.

• Nutrien’s Geismar Facility: A turnaround is planned for the summer months.

• Other Facilities: Buyers have been advised of upcoming maintenance at the Enid plant in June and the Beulah facility between August and September.

In addition,  maintenance scheduled for the St. Helens plant has been cancelled relative to Dyno Nobel’s recent announcement that the facility will likely cease operations in early 2026. The facility requires significant upgrades, and speculation is that supply may be impacted before closure if production issues persist.

Outlook for 2025

U.S. diesel exhaust fluid supply is expected to remain constrained through most of 2025 due to ongoing maintenance-related reductions in production capacity. This tightening in supply has already exerted upward pressure on both spot and contract pricing, a trend anticipated to continue in the near term.

While strategic initiatives are underway to expand domestic urea and DEF production—aimed at reducing dependence on foreign sources—these efforts represent long-term solutions and are unlikely to ease immediate market pressures.

Industries with high DEF consumption, including transportation, agriculture, and logistics, face a heightened risk of intermittent supply disruptions. In this context, stakeholders are encouraged to adopt proactive procurement strategies and maintain vigilant oversight of supply chain conditions to mitigate operational risks and manage cost volatility.