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Potash Suppliers: The Largest Potash Exporting Countries
Potash, or muriate of potash (MOP), is the main potassium fertilizer. Only a few countries have the mines, so supply is concentrated, and the buyers are mostly large farming economies.
The largest exporters
According to OEC trade data for 2024, world exports of potash were worth about USD 18.3 billion. Canada supplied 36.8 percent of world trade and Russia 25.2. Germany (5.9), Belarus (5.8), Israel (5.3), Laos (4.5), Jordan (4.0) and Uzbekistan (3.4) followed. Canadian potash goes mostly by rail to the United States and by rail and ship from the Pacific coast to Asia and Latin America.
The largest buyers
Brazil (21.4 percent of world imports), the United States (19.9) and China (19.4) take about three fifths of the trade. India (5.8), Indonesia (5.3), Malaysia (2.8) and Poland (2.0) follow. Palm oil growers in South-East Asia and the crop areas of Brazil are steady buyers.
Grades and forms
Potash is sold as standard, granular or compacted product. The grade is stated as the share of potassium oxide (K2O), usually about 60 percent for MOP. Granular potash is preferred for blending with other fertilizers. A contract states the grade, the size of the grains, the moisture and the inspection company. Potassium sulphate is a separate and smaller product.
How potash is shipped
Potash goes in bulk on Handysize, Supramax and Panamax ships, loaded from terminals that are built for fertilizer, with cargoes of 20,000 to 60,000 tonnes, and in 50 kg or one-tonne bags for smaller lots. It is corrosive, so holds need cleaning and care. For the choice of ship see the Shipfixing guide to Supramax and Handymax.
Annual contracts and spot trade
A large part of the trade is agreed in yearly contracts between the big producers and the big buyers in China and India, and the price of these contracts guides the market. Smaller buyers and traders buy spot cargoes, often from stock at the producer or from a trader. Many producing companies are controlled by states or large groups, so check who you are dealing with and which sanctions rules apply to the origin.
Terms and documents
Most potash is sold FOB or CFR; see FOB vs CFR vs CIF. The usual documents are the inspection and analysis certificates, the certificate of origin, the invoice and the bill of lading; see export and import documents.
Sourcing potash on Comdity
See the offers on the potash page, or post a listing with the grade, quantity, origin and port. Agree the terms with offer and counteroffer, and ask a lawyer to check a large contract.
The largest exporting and importing countries (2024)
| Top exporting countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| Canada | 36.8% |
| Russia | 25.2% |
| Germany | 5.9% |
| Belarus | 5.8% |
| Israel | 5.3% |
| Laos | 4.5% |
| Jordan | 4% |
| Uzbekistan | 3.4% |
| Top importing countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 21.4% |
| United States | 19.9% |
| China | 19.4% |
| India | 5.8% |
| Indonesia | 5.3% |
| Malaysia | 2.8% |
| Poland | 2% |
| Belgium | 1.9% |
Source: OEC (BACI/CEPII), 2024, customs codes 310420. The figures count trade by every mode of transport, not only by sea.
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