China's Phosphate Ore Imports Drop 36.4% MoM in May, Egypt Share Surges to 98%

Published: Jun 21, 2026 22:21

Save

In May 2026, China imported 131,000 mt of phosphate ore, down 36.4% from April, with the average price easing 2.6% to $93/mt.

In May 2026, China imported 131,000 mt of phosphate ore, down 36.4% from April, with the average price easing 2.6% to $93/mt. The sharp decline was driven by the sudden halt of Peruvian and Jordanian supplies – both major sources in April – leaving Egypt as the sole dominant supplier (128,000 mt, 98% share). Meanwhile, Hubei, which had topped provincial imports in April, recorded zero imports in May, while Guangxi rebounded to first place with 78,000 mt. Exports more than doubled to 32,000 mt, led by Hubei's return to the market.

Notably, Egypt's decision on May 13 to stop signing new phosphate export contracts adds significant supply uncertainty going forward, likely pushing up costs and tightening availability. The concurrent recovery of exports from Hubei and Guizhou suggests a rebalancing of domestic regional supply-demand dynamics.

Note: If you have any further details to add regarding the points mentioned in this article, or if you have any questions on the phosphorus chemical industry (phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, etc.) and solid-state batteries, please feel free to contact:

Tel: 021-20707860 (or add WeChat: 13585549799) – Yang Chaoxing. Thank you!

Solid-state Battery

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Company Launches RMB 135M Project for Recycling 30,000 Tons of Waste Batteries Annually

Recently, the annual 30,000-ton retired power battery comprehensive utilization project invested by the company commenced construction in the Changjiang (Changjiang) Clean Energy High-tech Industrial Park Circular Economy Demonstration Zone. According to public information, the total investment of the project is RMB 135 million, covering an area of about 30 mu, located in the above-mentioned industrial park, and constructed in two phases. Upon completion, it will achieve an annual processing capacity of 30,000 tons of waste LIB cells, stably producing high value-added recycled products such as comprehensive utilization batteries, copper granules, aluminum granules, battery casings, and LIB black mass.

Common.Time.hoursAgo

EIA Approval Sought for $500M Battery Recycling Plant in Lingang, China

Recently, the management committee and local government released the public notice on the proposed approval of the EIA report for the new energy vehicle power battery material processing, battery cascade utilization and resource center project (re-filed). The project involves a total investment of RMB 500 million, located in the Lingang Economic and Technological Development Zone. It consists of one dismantling & cascade utilization production line, one black mass preparation (cell crushing) production line, and one lithium carbonate production line. Upon completion, it will achieve Phase I annual dismantling capacity of 60,000 tons of power LIB packs (including 20,000 tons of cell crushing and 10,000 tons of cell cascade utilization), and Phase II annual output of 3,973 tons of lithium carbonate.

Common.Time.hoursAgo

50,000-Ton LIB Recycling Anode Project Launches in Jingmen, Aims for RMB 350M Annual Output

Recently, the annual 50,000-ton LIB recycling anode material project was officially put into operation. According to public information, the project involves a total investment of RMB 1.06 billion, located in Dongbao Industrial Park, Jingmen. It consists of high-performance, multi-type graphite anode material recycling and repairing production lines, covering full processes including waste electrode sheet pulverizing, shaping & grading, acid washing & purification, low-temperature carbonization, high-temperature coating, mixing & screening, etc. After reaching full capacity, it will achieve an annual output of 50,000 tons of recycled graphite anode materials, with an estimated annual output value of RMB 350 million.

Common.Time.hoursAgo