China phosphate rock imports rise 30% YoY in H1 2026

China's phosphate rock imports surged 30% YoY to 998,100 tonnes in H1 2026 (GACC), but monthly volumes have softened and prices edged down $1/t in June. OilChem notes downstream buyers turned cautious as high sulfur costs curb fertilizer output and domestic supply covers essential needs. July imports are expected to contract further. Watch sulfur prices, downstream production resumption, and shipments from Morocco/Tunisia.

According to the data of General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China imported 998,100 tonnes of phosphate rock in H1 2026, up 30% year-on-year, reflecting robust import demand. The strong cumulative growth was largely driven by active inventory replenishment earlier in the year. However,