Indias Water-Soluble Fertiliser Import Hold Steady Despite China Curbs

India’s imports of water-soluble fertilisers (WSFs) have remained largely stable in 2025 despite China tightening export controls, according to trade data cited by Business Standard. China, which has historically supplied over half of India’s WSF requirement, introduced stricter shipment curbs from October, triggering concerns over supply disruptions for Indian agriculture.

Data for January–November 2025 shows India imported 196,913 tonnes of WSFs from China, compared with 215,606 tonnes in the same period last year. While shipments from China declined marginally, India’s total WSF imports rose 8.8% year-on-year to 445,286 tonnes, up from 409,144 tonnes, indicating successful diversification of sourcing.

China’s share in India’s WSF imports fell from 53% to 44.2% during the period. The gap was bridged by increased imports from other countries. Supplies from Norway rose nearly 62%, while imports from Russia jumped 243%, reflecting a shift in procurement strategies by Indian importers.

The impact of China’s export curbs was more visible during October–November, when India imported 115,063 tonnes, a 13.3% decline compared with the same period last year. However, higher shipments from Norway and Russia offset a large part of the reduction from China, preventing any sharp supply shortfall in the domestic market.

Water-soluble fertilisers are used extensively in horticulture, fruits, vegetables, and precision irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. Unlike bulk fertilisers, WSFs are not covered under India’s nutrient-based subsidy regime, giving importers greater flexibility in pricing and sourcing decisions.

According to officials from the Fertiliser Association of India, domestic manufacturers have also increased production of speciality fertilisers, helping stabilise availability. Industry executives said the combination of diversified imports and higher local output has limited the impact of China’s export restrictions.

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Despite initial concerns over shortages and price volatility, India’s water-soluble fertiliser supply chain has remained intact. The shift away from dependence on a single supplier has reduced risk exposure and ensured continued availability for farmers during the current agricultural season