October 21, 2025

Hold onto your hats, farmers and traders! China, the world's fertilizer giant, just hit the pause button on exporting some crucial fertilizers from October 15. This includes specialty fertilizers like Technical Monoammonium Phosphate (TAMP) and urea-solution products such as AdBlue, along with regular fertilizers like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea. Rajib Chakraborty, National President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), warns this suspension might last for 5-6 months or even more. Why does this matter? Well, China provides a whopping 95% of India’s specialty fertilizer imports, totaling roughly 2.5 lakh tonnes every year. About 60-65% of these come in during the crucial rabi season (October-March). This sudden stoppage has sent shockwaves through the market and could make fertilizers cost 10-15% more due to tight supplies and import jitters. But don’t panic just yet! According to Chakraborty, India won’t face an immediate shortage this rabi season. Thanks to smart traders who grabbed supplies via global markets early, farmers can breathe a little easier. However, prices are likely to rise, so it’s best to plan purchases carefully and avoid panic buying. Specialty fertilizers are the superheroes for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables—they boost soil health, help plants soak up nutrients better, and increase crop productivity. Losing these could hit farmers where it hurts. India is hustling to find alternative suppliers from South Africa, Chile, and Croatia to keep the fertilizer flowing. But if China’s ban drags beyond March 2026, the situation could get serious. This isn’t the first time China threw a wrench in fertilizer exports. Earlier in 2025, after talks between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, some restrictions were lifted, easing DAP shortages. But China had warned that the ban might return come October, and here we are. Global fertilizer prices have been on a rollercoaster. The Food and Agriculture Organisation's Agricultural Monitor Information System (AMIS) noted that Indian traders slowed buying DAP in September due to high prices. However, China’s temporary boost in exports pushed global prices down a bit after a sharp rise earlier. Faced with China’s export clampdown, Indian importers raced to secure stocks and switched to suppliers in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Russia, and Jordan. Even so, these sources couldn’t fill the gap fully, leaving Indian farmers in a tricky spot. India’s real challenge is domestic production. Due to technological constraints, it is unable to make these advanced specialty fertilizers at home, making it heavily dependent on imports. So, what’s the takeaway? India’s fertilizer future looks shakier than ever, with China holding the power to twist prices and supplies. But for now, farmers should stick to planned buying and stay calm as new options are explored. The fertilizer saga continues, and all eyes are on the months ahead!

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Tags: China fertilizer export ban, India fertilizer imports, Speciality fertilizers, Dap shortage, Global fertilizer prices, Rabi season,