China cuts phosphate exports as fertiliser prices triple
China has stopped phosphate exports. This eliminates 40 per cent of global supply. Prices have climbed to $900 a tonne.
Phosphate is the mineral behind most of the world's food production. It has become a geopolitical prize.
China produces about 40 per cent of global phosphate. It has effectively told major producers to stop exporting.
China's export ban cuts off a huge chunk of worldwide supply. Prices have climbed from $300 a tonne before COVID to around $900 today.
The Middle East supplies close to 30 per cent of global fertiliser exports. This creates a bottleneck as maritime routes tighten.
Australia has two major players moving fast to profit. Aguia Resources in Brazil locked in $2.3 million in sales within just six weeks of starting its phosphate plant.
Avenira is developing the Wonarah project in the Northern Territory. It sits on 812 million tonnes of ore.
It recently raised $49 million to turn it into a working mine.
- 40 per cent
- China's share of global production
- $900 per tonne
- Current phosphate price
- $300 per tonne
- Price before COVID
- 812 million tonnes
- Wonarah ore reserves
Why it mattersPhosphate shortages could push fertiliser prices higher. This would raise food costs worldwide and threaten food security.
AustraliaAustralian mining companies stand to profit from global phosphate scarcity as countries scramble for reliable suppliers outside China.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 15 h ago
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