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China adds 100% export duties on fertilizers

China has imposed an additional 100% tariff on exported chemical fertilizers and some raw materials (including most raw materials used for the manufacturing of specialty soluble fertilizers) from April 20 to September 30, the Ministry of Finance said on April 17. Exporters in all regions and all kinds of trading forms are covered, it said. Actually, some products such as humic acids, etc, are also covered.

Export tariffs on chemical fertilizers will rise to a range of 100-135%, the ministry said. This is the second time this year that China has raised the duty on fertilizer exports. It is aimed at easing fears of a fertilizer supply shortage and keeping prices stable during soaring demand over the spring ploughing season.

Of the seven types of exported chemical fertilizers, three were tariff-free before the latest increase. On February 15, the government imposed export duties on four kinds of fertilizers ranging from 20 to 35%.

Runaway exports have caused domestic supply strain and price rises in parts of the country as fertilizer demand began to soar in March when the spring ploughing began, according to the ministry.