China Blocks Specialty Fertiliser Exports To India After Curbs On Magnets, Tunnel Boring Machines

China has stopped shipments of specialty fertilisers to India for the past two months, The Economic Times has reported, adding to a growing list of unofficial trade restrictions that have also affected rare-earth magnets and tunnel boring machines.

Top importers said consignments of water-soluble, slow-release, micronutrient and other high-value fertilisers have been held up in Chinese ports. These fertilisers are crucial for fruit, vegetable and horticulture crops. India imports about 80 percent of its specialty fertilisers from China.

“China has been restricting suppliers of specialty fertilisers to India for the last four to five years. However, this time it is a complete halt,” Rajib Chakraborty, president of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association, told ET.

The halt comes amid broader tensions in bilateral trade. Since April, China has effectively frozen shipments of rare-earth magnets to India. These magnets are critical components for electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronics. Indian manufacturers warn that production could be disrupted if supplies do not resume soon.

Separately, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, built in China by the German firm Herrenknecht, have also been stuck at Chinese ports. Despite being paid for, the machines have not received export clearance. No official reason has been given.

Industry officials said the fertiliser disruption could impact crop yields during the June to December planting season, when India typically imports around 150,000 to 160,000 tonnes. Domestic production remains limited due to low volumes and lack of technology, though companies are now considering local manufacturing.

India is exploring alternate sources such as Jordan and Europe, but delays remain a concern. The government has not issued an official statement on the fertiliser halt.

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