China restricts fertiliser exports, further crimping war-tightened supply

China is clamping down on fertiliser exports to protect its domestic market. The move adds further strain to global markets that were already grappling with shortages linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

China ranks among the world’s largest fertiliser exporters, having shipped more than $13 billion worth of product in the previous year. Authorities have previously used export controls to keep prices lower for domestic farmers, so the current tightening fits an established policy pattern.

Why it matters

When a top exporting country prioritises local availability, spot and forward supply for third-country buyers tightens quickly. Importers that depended on Chinese urea, phosphate or compound grades must reopen alternative origins and accept longer lead times.

Combined with war-related Gulf disruptions, Chinese export curbs reduce the number of workable loading options in the same seasonal window. That raises both price and execution risk for buyers covering Q2–Q3 planting demand.

Market context

Global fertilizer balances were already tight before the latest Chinese measures. Export history above $13 billion illustrates how large a share of internationally traded nutrients can be withdrawn or delayed by administrative controls.

Buyers should verify physical allocation and export documentation before treating any low offer as actionable. EUROCHEM TRADING continues to focus on confirmed product availability and destination-specific delivered pricing under current freight and compliance conditions.

Source: Market reporting on Chinese fertilizer export restrictions amid Iran-related supply stress, 20 March 2026.