China has completely stopped exporting specialty fertilisers to India. This has been happening for the past two months, even though there is no official announcement or formal ban from Chinese authorities.
This sudden halt is causing concern among Indian importers and farmers. India usually depends on China for almost 80% of its specialty fertilisers. These fertilisers are not like the regular ones. They include water-soluble fertilisers, micronutrients, nano fertilisers, and biostimulants. These are important for increasing crop yield, keeping the soil healthy, and improving nutrient efficiency.
Between June and December every year, India imports around 150,000 to 160,000 tonnes of these speciality fertilisers. These are essential for growing better crops during this time, especially in key farming states.
Although China is still exporting to other countries, shipments to India have been stopped. This is being done using unofficial methods. Reports say Chinese customs authorities are not clearing Indian shipments. Instead of banning them openly, they are using inspections and procedural delays to block the exports.
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India Faces Repeat of Earlier Disruptions from China
This is not the first time China has disrupted exports to India. A similar incident happened earlier when China restricted exports of rare earth magnets to India. These magnets are very important for India’s auto industry, especially for two-wheelers and electric vehicles.
When this happened, Indian officials said the move was a “wake-up call”. They warned that depending too much on one country for important goods could be risky. India then started taking steps to build its own capacity and reduce dependence on Chinese imports.
Now, the same pattern seems to be happening again — this time with specialty fertilisers. The fertiliser industry has been noticing restrictions for the past four to five years. But this time, the halt is complete and more serious.
While the Indian government has not made an official statement about the latest fertiliser halt, industry sources confirm that no shipments have come from China in the last two months. This is despite Indian buyers placing orders well in advance.
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Some experts believe that this move could be China’s way of testing how India reacts to low-key economic pressure. This kind of “silent sanction” involves stopping or delaying exports without making any loud or clear declaration.
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Unlike loud sanctions used by some countries, these are quiet. They happen through paperwork delays or customs inspections. But the result is the same — goods stop coming in, and the importing country suffers.
This time, India’s fertiliser supply could be hit hard, especially since the farming season is about to start. Specialty fertilisers are not part of the government’s subsidy programme, and many private players rely on steady imports to serve Indian farmers.
The disruption could also lead to higher prices in the market, creating extra stress for both the agricultural sector and consumers.
Government officials have earlier said they are working on long-term solutions. These include building domestic factories and finding new supplier countries. However, for now, the immediate concern is the complete halt of shipments and the lack of clarity from China.
This developing story has created unease among farmers, traders, and industry leaders. They are waiting to see how the situation unfolds and whether China will lift the silent barriers.