March Phosphate Ore Imports 182kt, Up 88.2% MoM; Jordan Halts Exports

Published: Apr 20, 2026 14:07
In March 2026, China’s phosphate ore imports reached 182,000 mt, up 88.2% MoM and 144.4% YoY, with an average price of $79.9/mt, down 7.2% MoM.Affected by Strait of Hormuz disruptions, Jordan halted supplies for the first time since September 2023. Imports mainly came from Egypt (170,000 mt) and Pakistan (12,000 mt), through Guangxi, Hubei and Fujian.

According to customs data, in March 2026, China's phosphate ore imports totaled 182,000 mt, up 88.2% from 97,000 mt in February and up 144.4% compared to the same period last year (75,000 mt). Total import value in March was $14.552 million, up 74.6% MoM from $8.336 million in February. The unit price was $79.9/mt, down 7.2% significantly from $86.1/mt in February.

1. Phosphate ore imports: China's traditional major phosphate ore source countries were Egypt, Peru, and Jordan, with major importing provinces being Guangxi and Zhejiang, and major importing enterprises including Chuanjinnuo and other coastal phosphochemical enterprises. However, in March, due to logistics disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, there were no phosphate ore imports from Jordan — the first time since September 2023 that no phosphate ore was imported from Jordan to China. The major source countries for phosphate ore imports in March were Egypt and Pakistan.

 

The top importing provinces in March were Guangxi (71,000 mt), Hubei (42,000 mt), and other regions such as Fujian (52,000 mt), while in February it was Guangxi (88,000 mt). Price side, the unit price was $79.9 in March versus $86.1 in February, showing a price decline in March.

 

In March, China's phosphate ore imports mainly came from Egypt and Pakistan, with imports of 170,000 mt and 12,000 mt respectively. Affected by factors related to the Strait of Hormuz, phosphate ore from Jordan failed to be imported; however, imports from other regions had already filled the gap. As hindered transportation of high-priced Jordanian phosphate ore left no import volume to support prices, the import unit price of phosphate ore in March pulled back from February, falling below $80/mt.

2. Phosphate ore exports: Japan and South Korea became the main export destinations for phosphate ore in March, with shipments from Hubei to South Korea and Guizhou to Japan dominating.

In March 2026, exports totaled 16,000 mt, up 55.7% from February, with the main export flow directed to Japan and South Korea. Hubei to South Korea and Guizhou to Japan accounted for 12,000 mt and 13,000 mt respectively, at unit prices of $185/mt and $328/mt.

 

Note: If you have any additions or corrections to the details mentioned in this article, please feel free to contact us at any time. Contact information is as follows:

Tel: 021-20707860 (or add WeChat 13585549799) Yang Chaoxing, thank you!

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 to learn 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
In May 2026, Chile's lithium carbonate exports stood at 19,100 mt, and lithium sulfate exports at 14,200 mt.
Common.Time.hoursAgo
In May 2026, Chile's lithium carbonate exports stood at 19,100 mt, and lithium sulfate exports at 14,200 mt.
Read More
In May 2026, Chile's lithium carbonate exports stood at 19,100 mt, and lithium sulfate exports at 14,200 mt.
In May 2026, Chile's lithium carbonate exports stood at 19,100 mt, and lithium sulfate exports at 14,200 mt.
[Chile's Lithium Carbonate Exports in May 2026 at 19,100 mt, Lithium Sulfate Exports at 14,200 mt] According to Chile customs export data, in May 2026, Chile's total lithium carbonate exports were 19,100 mt, down 35.2% MoM and up 35.30% YoY. Of this, exports to China were 13,601 mt, down 40.75% MoM and up 40.87% YoY; exports to South Korea were 3,392 mt, down 2.77% MoM and up 27.34% YoY; and exports to Japan were 492 mt, down 57.56% MoM and up 42.04% YoY. In May 2026, Chile's total lithium sulfate exports to China were 14,200 mt, up 17.41% MoM and up 45.97% YoY.
Common.Time.hoursAgo
[Lithium Battery: Yongtai Technology And CATL Sign Electrolyte Cooperation Agreement]
Common.Time.hoursAgo
[Lithium Battery: Yongtai Technology And CATL Sign Electrolyte Cooperation Agreement]
Read More
[Lithium Battery: Yongtai Technology And CATL Sign Electrolyte Cooperation Agreement]
[Lithium Battery: Yongtai Technology And CATL Sign Electrolyte Cooperation Agreement]
On the evening of June 8, Zhejiang Yongtai Technology Co., Ltd. issued an announcement stating that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Yongtai New Energy Materials Co., Ltd., recently signed an "Electrolyte Cooperation Agreement" with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). According to the agreement, subject to Yongtai New Energy's product quality being stable and its raw material prices being competitive compared to other suppliers within CATL's supplier system, CATL plans to purchase electrolyte from Yongtai New Energy in quantities of 70,000 tons, 150,000 tons, and 250,000 tons for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively. The total estimated procurement volume over the three years is 470,000 tons.
Common.Time.hoursAgo
[SMM Analysis] The Real Barriers to Upgrading Africa’s Battery Metals Value Chain
Jun 8, 2026 19:08
[SMM Analysis] The Real Barriers to Upgrading Africa’s Battery Metals Value Chain
Read More
[SMM Analysis] The Real Barriers to Upgrading Africa’s Battery Metals Value Chain
[SMM Analysis] The Real Barriers to Upgrading Africa’s Battery Metals Value Chain
Developing local processing capacity is not simply a matter of building another plant next to a mine. It requires a country to simultaneously possess reliable energy supply, logistics infrastructure, chemical-industry capabilities, engineering expertise, customer qualification systems, access to financing, policy continuity and transparent pricing mechanisms. Resources can attract investment, but they cannot guarantee project success.
Jun 8, 2026 19:08
March Phosphate Ore Imports 182kt, Up 88.2% MoM; Jordan Halts Exports - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)