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China’s efforts to address domestic problems can lead to global challenges

Restrictions on exports like fertilizer and steel have major economic ramifications for trading partners.
When the prices of fertilizer began to increase last year, China moved to restrict fertilizer exports. Above, workers move bags of fertilizer in China's northwest Qinghai province in 2005.
Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

Farmers face rising fertilizer prices and supply constraints

Nov 11, 2021
A big reason fertilizer is through the roof? Still-climbing natural gas prices.
Natural gas prices are at historic highs, and natural gas accounts for up to 90% of the operating cost of producing fertilizer.
JackF via Getty Images

Two fertilizer giants merge to spur their growth

Sep 12, 2016
The Canadian companies would form the world's largest crop-nutrient supplier.
While the Potash-Agrium merger is expected to save $500 million annually, some warn of potentially negative consequences for farmers, like paying more for their potash.
Sustainable Sanitation Alliance/Wikimedia Commons

Phosphorous: Where Morocco is OPEC

Nov 7, 2013
The BBC's Justin Rowlatt has a new series that looks at the economics behind chemical elements.