China and Russia Restricted Global Sulfur Exports
Export bans by major suppliers heightened production costs for phosphate-based fertilizers worldwide.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Agriculture
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China and Russia restricted sulfur exports in 2026, tightening the global market for a critical agricultural input. The move contributed to rising costs for phosphate-based fertilizer production.
Why it matters
Sulfur is a primary component of phosphate fertilizer, and restricted access from key suppliers has pushed production costs for DAP fertilizers beyond the levels seen in 2022 and 2023.
Russia accounts for 17 percent of the global sulfur supply, while 50 percent of the world's tradable sulfur flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Current production costs for DAP in the U.S. now exceed the 2022 and 2023 price levels.
The players
China
China is a major global player in the industrial export market that restricted its sulfur supply.
Russia
Russia is a significant global energy and mineral exporter that blocked sulfur exports due to geopolitical conditions.
The details
The decision by China and Russia to restrict or block sulfur exports created a supply bottleneck for phosphate production. This shift in trade availability caused fertilizer prices to climb significantly after a period of low costs during the summer of 2026.
Timeline
2022 and 2023 served as the baseline years for comparison of production costs.
Summer 2026 was marked by lower prices for sulfur-based fertilizer products.
2027 spring represents the upcoming planting season facing supply uncertainty.
Market Landscape
This contraction in sulfur availability follows the pattern of supply-driven price volatility established during the 2022 global fertilizer supply chain disruptions. The restriction underscores the vulnerability of agricultural inputs to geopolitical shifts in major manufacturing hubs.
Farmers preparing for the 2027 spring planting season face significant uncertainty regarding input costs and availability. These production pressures are likely to influence the pricing of fertilizers throughout the upcoming agricultural cycle.
The takeaway
The concentration of sulfur supply in specific geopolitical regions means that minor trade restrictions can cause ripple effects throughout the global food system. Agricultural producers should monitor regional export policies closely to anticipate volatility in fertilizer supply.
Further reading
For broader context on current market trends, visit our Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST.
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