China Reins in Fertilizer Exports as War Pushes Up Global Prices

March 16, 2026, 9:37 AM UTC

China is tightening its curbs on fertilizer exports as the war in Iran disrupts trade of key crop nutrients, driving up prices globally.

The government has asked exporters to halt outbound shipments of nitrogen-potassium fertilizer blends, people familiar with the matter said. Beijing also reiterated existing export restrictions on urea, quashing traders’ hopes that new sales quota would be issued soon, they said.

The moves are part of an effort to secure domestic supplies and stabilize prices as farmers in the agricultural powerhouse gear up for spring planting and demand peaks. China is a top consumer of fertilizers — and ...

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