1、Food processing as the dominant contributor of phosphorus output in

However, the dominant industry sectors in almost half of the regions are the food processing industry. The two phosphorus loss hotspots in China are the Yangtze River Basin dominated by human activities and the western regions dominated by natural processes.

2、China’s Phosphate Fertilizer Export Overview (January – March 2026)

The first-quarter export data for China’s phosphate fertilizers shows a significant drop in volumes for both Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), signaling a cooling demand in key international markets.

3、China Fertilizer Market – Size, Share, Trends, Analysis & Forecast 2026

Eastern China: This region, known for its intensive agricultural practices and high population density, shows a strong demand for fertilizers. Northern China: With its significant wheat and corn production, Northern China relies heavily on nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers.

4、Chinese phosphate exports

Although China remains the world’s largest phosphate producer, it has been overtaken as the largest exporter by Morocco in recent years as domestic producers face continuing restrictions on exports. Fertilizer loading at Lianyungang Port in Jiangsu province.

5、China’s Fertiliser Market Update

Approaching the end of 2024, the Chinese fertiliser market continues to show intriguing developments, reflecting the broader complexities of global supply chains and domestic production dynamics.

Summary of China’s Fertilizer Import, Export, and Market Trends

In central China, steady operations at phosphate fertilizer and phosphate salt plants maintained strong demand. Combined with low inventory levels among sulfuric acid producers, prices continued to rise.

Characteristics of phosphorus fertilizer application in the Yangtze

About 80% of China's phosphorites are distributed across the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei and Sichuan, which are situated in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (Yang et al., 2023). These four provinces are also home to China's primary phosphorus chemical manufacturing clusters.

China’s Fertilizer Export Landscape (Jan–May 2026)

From January to May 2025, China’s fertilizer trade shows marked export cuts in urea/phosphates, stable potash imports, and shifts in nutrient flow—while India’s demand surges.

Input of Cd from agriculture phosphate fertilizer application in China

In 2016, the phosphate fertilizer application rate ranged from 12.14 to 99.38 kg/ha with a mean value of 42.70 kg/ha, and excessive fertilizer application occurred in Xinjiang, Henan, and Hubei Provinces. The Cd content in phosphate fertilizer was 0.75 mg/kg based on 1222 samples.

Toward the sustainable use of mineral phosphorus fertilizers for crop

In this study, a meta-analysis and substance flow analysis (SFA) were employed to evaluate the effects of different mineral P fertilizer types on crop yield and P flow from rock phosphate (RP) exploitation to P use in China.

China's phosphate fertilizer market is primarily concentrated in several key regions, which dominate national sales volumes. Below is a detailed analysis of these major phosphate fertilizer markets:

1. Southwest Region

The Southwest Region, including Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing, is a major phosphate fertilizer production base in China. These areas are rich in phosphate rock resources, providing abundant raw materials for fertilizer production. Additionally, the region’s climate is suitable for storing and transporting phosphate fertilizers. As a result, the Southwest accounts for a significant share of national phosphate fertilizer sales.

2. Southern China

Provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan in Southern China have high agricultural output and economic development, driving substantial demand for phosphate fertilizers. The region’s favorable climate also supports efficient fertilizer production and application. Consequently, Southern China plays a critical role in national phosphate fertilizer sales.

3. Eastern China

Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shandong in Eastern China boast advanced agricultural production, leading to high demand for phosphate fertilizers. The region’s robust transportation infrastructure further facilitates the distribution and sales of fertilizers. As a result, Eastern China holds a prominent share of the national market.

4. Northern China

Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and other provinces in Northern China rely heavily on grain crops, which require large quantities of phosphate fertilizers. Additionally, the region’s abundant water resources support fertilizer application. Thus, Northern China contributes notably to national sales.

5. Northeast China

Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang in Northeast China focus on corn, soybeans, and other grain crops, driving significant demand for phosphate fertilizers. The region’s climate also favors fertilizer production and use, making it an important market for phosphate products.

6. Northwest China

Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Qinghai in Northwest China prioritize livestock farming, resulting in relatively lower demand for phosphate fertilizers. the region’s rich phosphate reserves provide ample raw materials for production. Despite this, poor transportation infrastructure limits sales, keeping its market share comparatively small.

China’s phosphate fertilizer market is led by the Southwest, Southern, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern, and Northwest regions. Dominant sales in these areas reflect regional differences in agricultural practices and economic conditions. With China’s rapid economic growth and agricultural modernization, the phosphate fertilizer market is poised to maintain steady growth.