China’s 2024 SOP exports hit five-year low: Correction

: Fertilizers
25/01/27

Corrects export volume to Peru in paragraph 2

The halt in customs inspections for SOP exports led to a sharp fall in China's shipments in 2024 as export volumes fell to a five-year low.

China's SOP exports in 2024 fell by 84pc on the year to just 16,700t, the lowest since 2018, which recorded 8,700t of exports, GTT data show. About 75pc of total 2024 exports took place in the second half of the year, as buyers sought to shift more product in 9.5kg bags. But this type of packaging was not favoured by buyers from Latin American markets which typically buy for bulk blending, as they needed to pay for additional labour costs to remove these bags. As a result, shipments to Peru and Mexico plunged to 3,800t and 2,600t from 8,600t and 40,500t, respectively. South Africa replaced Mexico as the top export destination in 2024, but shipments to South Africa nearly halved on the year to 4,600t.

Chinese SOP exports saw significant growth in 2019-20, supported by strong demand from Latin American and south Asian markets. But export volumes took a downturn from 2021 onwards as suppliers were urged to prioritise supplies for the domestic market and keep domestic prices stable. China mainly exports SOP that is produced by the Mannheim process, which uses MOP as a raw material. China depends heavily on MOP imports based on an annual contract price with global major producers as well as a monthly cross-border contract price with Russian producer Uralkali, as its domestic MOP production is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Most Chinese suppliers halted export offers for SOP in 9.5kg bags in January, after a change in the customs clearance definition for small-volume exports was implemented from 1 January 2025, making it difficult for suppliers to ship 9.5kg bags in jumbo bags via break bulk vessels. This could further limit China's SOP export availability this year.

By Huijun Yao

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25/03/12

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OCP’s absence weighs on European sulacid market

25/03/11

OCP’s absence weighs on European sulacid market

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NorthAm market presumes potash is USMCA compliant

25/03/07

NorthAm market presumes potash is USMCA compliant

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High US potash stocks to delay tariff reaction: Update

25/03/06

High US potash stocks to delay tariff reaction: Update

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Q&A: Ocior touts Indian H2 drive, urges rule tweaks

25/03/06

Q&A: Ocior touts Indian H2 drive, urges rule tweaks

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By starting with less restrictive covenants, not compromising on carbon content, green hydrogen pricing can be more competitive than blue hydrogen for EU. By Akansha Victor Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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