NEW DELHI, 27 June 2025: In a fresh blow to India’s agricultural supply chains, China has effectively halted shipments of specialty fertilisers vital to fruit, vegetable, and high-value crop production for the past two months, according to top executives at several leading importers.
Although China continues to supply these chemicals to other countries, it has informally blocked Indian-bound consignments through opaque inspection procedures without an explicit export ban.
“China has been restricting suppliers of specialty fertilisers to India for the last four to five years. However, this time it is a complete halt,” confirmed Rajib Chakraborty, president of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA).
India imports about 80% of its specialty fertiliser needs—encompassing water-soluble fertilisers, micronutrients, controlled and slow-release fertilisers, biostimulants, and other innovative products—from China.
Local production of these advanced fertilisers has so far been unviable due to small volumes and high technology costs. But with consumption volumes now rising as farmers move away from traditional commodity fertilisers like urea or DAP, Indian companies are exploring domestic production options.
Specialty fertilisers, which improve soil health and boost nutrient efficiency, are critical to modernising India’s agriculture. According to the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI), India’s micronutrient fertiliser market could surpass $1 billion by 2029, while its biostimulant market may grow to $734 million by the same year.
“This halt threatens a crucial season for Indian horticulture and high-value crops,” said a senior official from a multinational fertiliser company. “Even if alternative suppliers in Jordan or Europe are identified, shipments may not arrive in time.”
The move comes against the backdrop of worsening relations between New Delhi and Beijing, including border clashes and tighter Indian rules for Chinese investments. China has also previously restricted rare earth magnet exports, sparking fears of an emerging pattern of trade coercion.
Indian agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to review the situation in consultation with key stakeholders to safeguard farmers’ interests, officials said.
All major players in India’s fertiliser sector, including Deepak Fertilizers, Paradeep Phosphates, and Nagarjuna Fertilizer Company, operate in the specialty segment, and are likely to be impacted if the current disruption continues.
