Specialty fertiliser prices set to surge as China suspends exports

India is preparing for higher fertiliser prices ahead of the crucial rabi (winter) crop season after China suspended exports of urea and specialty fertilisers from October 15, a senior industry official said on Tuesday.

China, which had only recently resumed fertiliser exports from May 15 to October 15 with increased inspections, has now suspended the export window until further notice, affecting not just India but global markets as well.

The suspension covers specialty fertilisers like TMAP (Technical Monoammonium Phosphate) and urea-solution products like AdBlue, as well as conventional fertilisers such as DAP and urea. “China has closed the export window from October 15 not only for India but the entire world market,” Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) President Rajib Chakraborty said. “I believe the export suspension will be for the next 5-6 months.”


India imports about 95% of specialty fertilisers from China. Chakraborty said specialty fertiliser prices, already at abnormally high levels, could rise 10-15 per cent due to the Chinese export curbs. India consumes around 250,000 tonnes of specialty fertilisers annually, with 60-65% used during the rabi season, which runs from October to March.