China Confirms Export Controls on MAP, DAP, and Urea: What Global Buyers Need to Know

China Confirms Export Controls on Nitrogen-Phosphate Fertilizers — What It Means for the Global Market

The global fertilizer industry has been closely watching China’s export policy adjustments on nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers. According to confirmed and credible sources, China has now officially implemented export control measures on MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate), DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), urea, and other nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the policy framework and reviews the price trends of industrial-grade MAP in China — from the period of strict export restrictions to the recent easing of export permissions.

💡 Key Takeaway: China is expected to adopt a dual-track pricing model for MAP, DAP, and urea:

• Domestic Market: Prices will be strictly regulated to avoid excessive burdens on farmers and to prevent fertilizer manufacturers or traders from inflating prices.

• Export Market: Prices will reflect global market conditions, but China will aim to avoid underpricing its nitrogen-phosphate resources in international competition.

🔍 Seminar Summary – Fertilizer Export Policy Clarified by China’s NDRC

China Confirms Export Controls on MAP：On the afternoon of May 7, 2025, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a high-level seminar on fertilizer export policies at its Beijing headquarters. Representatives from the China Agricultural Means of Production Circulation Association, the Nitrogen Fertilizer Industry Association, the Phosphate and Compound Fertilizer Industry Association, and ten leading fertilizer manufacturers and traders were invited to participate.

This meeting centered on the controlled resumption of exports and clarified several core principles:“Domestic Priority • Controlled Exports • Self-Discipline • International Supplementation.”

Here’s a breakdown of the main points discussed:

I. Coordinated Mechanism for Export Management

Starting May 2025, under NDRC’s guidance, three national industry associations will oversee phased fertilizer exports:

• The Agricultural Means Circulation Association will manage urea distributors.

• The Nitrogen Fertilizer Association will coordinate urea producers.

• The Phosphate Fertilizer Association will lead phosphate fertilizer producers.

This creates a collaborative, segmented implementation framework for export activities.

II. Selection of Export-Eligible Enterprises and Quota Distribution

To qualify, enterprises must:

1. Fulfill national fertilizer reserve tasks (including off-season and emergency reserves).

2. Meet basic production plan requirements.

Quotas will be assigned based on a weighted scoring system reflecting these criteria. The allocation will be completed in two batches.

III. Pricing Regulation Mechanism

A differentiated pricing system will be adopted:

• For exports: Enterprises are encouraged to secure higher international prices and increase foreign exchange earnings.

• For domestic supply: Stability and affordability will be strictly enforced.

Minimum export prices will be determined through industry association negotiations, and NDRC will intervene if domestic prices rise beyond acceptable levels.

IV. Export Oversight and Compliance

• Filing Requirement: Associations will oversee qualification checks, quota tracking, shipment volumes, pricing, and destination countries.

• Zero Tolerance for Violations: Quota resales or unauthorized exports are strictly prohibited. Compliance through legitimate international trade channels is expected.

V. Corporate Responsibility

• Leading companies must strike a balance between domestic supply and export profits, fulfilling their social responsibility.

• Violations will lead to strict penalties.

VI. Export Procedures

• Exporters may choose factory or port-based inspections. While processes will be streamlined, a standard timeline has not yet been fixed.

• Export volume in 2025 will be capped at or below 2023 levels.

• The export window is provisionally May–September 2025.

• Industry associations will draft self-regulation conventions under NDRC oversight.

VII. Special Trade Restrictions

Exports to India are strictly prohibited for this year.

NDRC will continue monitoring fertilizer market dynamics and will encourage producers to contribute to the next national fertilizer reserve cycle to safeguard agricultural stability.

📝 Kelewell's Summary & Practical Insights of China Confirms Export Controls on MAP, DAP, and Urea

Based on our understanding and communication with the industry, here are Kelewell’s key takeaways for international buyers:

1. Export Quotas Are Still in EffectSome selected manufacturers hold official NDRC export quotas and can complete CIQ inspection in as fast as 10 working days.🟢 Kelewell insight: Choosing a qualified supplier can significantly shorten delivery time.

2. Dual-Track Pricing RegulationDomestic prices are tightly controlled and cannot be pushed up due to international demand.⚠️ Kelewell warning: Extremely low export offers may indicate a lack of quota or delivery capacity — buyers should exercise caution.

3. Export Window: May–September 2025This is a limited-time opportunity, especially considering the CIQ inspection duration.🗓️ Kelewell recommendation: Importers should plan ahead to secure supply during this short export window.

4. India Is Excluded from MAP/DAP ExportWhile informal channels may exist, quota-holding factories will not take the risk, leaving trade companies as the only workaround — with higher uncertainty.

📈 Price Trends: Industrial-Grade MAP in China (FOB Equivalent)

Week	Status	Price Range (USD/MT)	Notes
2024 CW 41	Export allowed	$845 ±15	—
2024 CW 42	Export allowed	$850 ±15	—
2024 CW 43	Export allowed	$870 ±15	—
2024 CW 44	Export allowed	$880 ±15	—
2024 CW 45	Export allowed	$880 ±15	—
2024 CW 46 – 2025 CW 08	Export banned	$860–910 ±15	Based on small-package domestic price equivalent; higher costs due to short-haul transport & repackaging; long CIQ delays
2025 CW 09 – CW 15	Export still banned	$910–940 ±15	Market speculated on future export resumption; same logistical costs
2025 CW 16 – CW 19	Export release expected	$940–990 ±15	Export reopening confirmed in principle; costs unchanged

🧾 During the export ban, domestic MAP prices in China continued to rise steadily. While small-package (9.5kg) exports were still technically allowed, they required transferring goods from large factories to smaller repackers, involving:

• Short-haul transport

• Manual repacking costs

• Disposal of 25kg/1200kg original packaging

• Additional loading/unloading steps

As a result, overall costs surged, pushing up the equivalent FOB price.

🔮 Kelewell’s Market Outlook for Industrial MAP Export Prices

1. MAP export prices are expected to remain elevated, with only slight downward corrections possible.

2. Due to the short export window, price spikes may occur rapidly. Any decline is likely to be gradual and mild.

📢 To all importers and global traders:Stay updated on these regulatory changes. If you have any upcoming purchasing plans for nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers, Kelewell is ready to support you with reliable supply, compliant documentation, and tailored logistics solutions.

Let’s make the most of this window — together. 🌐💼