In 2009, the official figure for Chinese production of phosphate rock was estimated at 55 million tons. According to the US Geological Survey, this number likely underestimates the true amount of phosphate rock produced, as it does not include production from numerous small independent mines.

Production in China has steadily increased since 2003, from 24.5 million tons to the 55 million tons reported above






                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Source: USGS

In 2008, the Chinese government tried to discourage exports of phosphate rocks so that it could be put to use domestically. It did so by raising export tariffs on phosphate rocks from 10% to 20% and by setting tariffs on Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), a major form of phosphate used for exportation and fertilization, at 20% for June to September and 10% for October to December.

Despite this, China has become a net exporter of DAP. Imports of DAP have steadily decreased while exports have increased over the last several years

Despite being third in global production, Morocco has the highest reserve base of phosphate rock in the world with 5.7 billion tons of phosphate rock, and is also the foremost exporter of phosphate rock in the world.                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Source: USGS

Source: USGS

Source:China Customs Year Book, Phosphorous
Fertilizer & Sulfuric Acid Information