Which Country Exports the Most Crude Potash Salts in the World?

In 2016, approx. 44M tonnes of potash were exported worldwide; declining by -12.4% against the previous year figure. Overall, potash exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010, when export increased by 109% y-o-y. Global potash export peaked of 50M tonnes in 2015, falling back in the following year.

In value terms, potash exports amounted to $12B in 2016. Overall, it indicated a temperate expansion from 2007 to 2016: the total exports value decreased at an average annual rate of -0.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. In that year, global potash exports reached its maximum level of $21B. From 2009 to 2016, growth of global potash exports stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Potash Exporting Countries in the World

1. Canada (3.5 billion USD)

2. Belarus (2.0 billion USD)

3. Russia (1.9 billion USD)

4. Germany (0.8 billion USD)

5. Jordan (0.4 billion USD)

6. Chile (0.4 billion USD)

7. Lithuania (0.3 billion USD)

Potash Exports By Country

In 2016, Canada (16M tonnes), distantly followed by Russia (9.5M tonnes), Belarus (6.8M tonnes), and Germany (4.1M tonnes) were the major exporters of potash, together making up 83% of total exports. Chile (1.6M tonnes), Jordan (1.6M tonnes), and Lithuania (1M tonnes) occupied the slight share of total exports.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of potash exports, among the main exporting countries, was attained by Chile (+26.7% per year), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Canada ($3.5B), Belarus ($2B) and Russia ($1.9B) appeared as the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2016, together accounting for 64% of global exports. These countries were followed by Germany, Jordan, Chile and Lithuania, which together accounted for a further 16%.

Chile (+22.2% per year) had the highest growth rate of potash exports, in terms of the main exporting countries, over the last 9 year period, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Potash Export Prices By Country

The average potash export price stood at $264 per tonne in 2016, descending by -19.3% against the previous year. In general, potash export price continues to indicate a temperate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when it surged by 159% y-o-y. In that year, average potash export price attained its maximum level of $564 per tonne. From 2009 to 2016, growth of average potash export price failed to regain its strength.

There were significant differences in the average export prices amongst major exporting countries. In 2016, the country with the highest export prices was Belarus ($297 per tonne), while Germany ($194 per tonne) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of potash export prices was attained by Belarus (+5.3% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global potash market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• potash market share
• potash prices
• potash industry
• potash sales
• potash import
• potash export
• potash market forecast
• potash price forecast
• key potash producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 3104 - Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, potassic.

Source: World: Crude Potash Salts (K2O Content) - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025