China’s ammonium chloride exports reached a record high in the first nine months of 2025, despite a significant contraction in September due to seasonal factors and stricter inspection policies, industry data shows.
From January to September, China exported 1.5236 million tons of ammonium chloride, a increase of 37.60% year-on-year and a historic high for the period. However, September exports fell to 102,900 tons, down 34.54% month-on-month and less than half of January’s volume, marking the lowest monthly export level this year.
The decline is attributed to the traditional off-season for exports and more rigorous implementation of China’s statutory inspection policies for fertilizer exports, which have prolonged customs clearance procedures.
Export Prices Fall in Tandem with Domestic Market
The average export price in September was $75.06 per ton, down 21.37% compared to the same period last year, mirroring the downward trend in the domestic market.
“Falling domestic prices have intensified wait-and-see sentiment among international buyers,” an exporter said. “Demand from Southeast Asia has softened, with increased resistance to higher price points.”
Key Markets See Widespread Declines
Malaysia remained the top destination in September, receiving 43,000 tons, or 42% of China’s total exports. However, this represented a monthly decrease of 18.22% and a yearly decline of 2.4%.
Vietnam was the second-largest importer, with 24,000 tons, accounting for 23% of the total. Shipments fell 11.40% month-on-month and 8.58% year-on-year.
Exports to Indonesia plummeted to 20,000 tons, making up 20% of the total. This was a sharp drop of 64.41% from August, though it still reflected a 21.89% increase compared to September 2024.
Jiangsu Province Dominates Outbound Shipments
Jiangsu province maintained its dominant position as the leading export hub, shipping 89,000 tons in September, which accounted for 86.26% of the national total and marked a 29.19% year-on-year increase. The surge is partly linked to new production capacity that came online this year.
Guangdong province followed distantly with 8,685 tons, representing 8.44% of total exports. Jiangxi province ranked third, exporting just 2,300 tons – a decline of 58.48% from the previous month and 62.56% from a year earlier.
Q4 Outlook: Modest Recovery Expected
Industry analysis suggests that with expanded domestic production capacity, full-year 2025 exports are still on track to set a new annual record.
However, the dual pressures of export policy constraints and low domestic prices are expected to limit significant growth in international demand during the fourth quarter.
Based on historical trends, export volumes in October are projected to recover slightly from September’s low but are likely to remain below the levels seen in October 2024.
