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🌎 Global Trade in Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (UN Comtrade Overview)
The trade of Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (categorized broadly under SITC Rev. 3, Division 27) is a cornerstone of the global economy. These raw materials, ranging from essential phosphate rock and crude potash for agriculture to industrial minerals like sulphur and stone, drive global food production and infrastructure development.
Since consolidating the exact, single UN Comtrade figure for this entire, diverse category for all years is complex without database access, the table below uses high-level statistics from international bodies (which draw heavily on UN Comtrade data) to show the significant trends in Global Fertilizer Trade—a major, often volatile component of this raw materials market.
📈 Global Fertilizer Trade Value and Volume Trends
This table is now fixed for clear, easy reading on a blog.
| Year | Trade Volume (Million Tonnes) | Trade Value (USD Billion) | Notes on Trend |
| 2019 | 150 – 160 | 36 | Baseline: Pre-pandemic stability. |
| 2020 | 140 – 150 | 32 | Dip: Early pandemic-related disruption. |
| 2021 | 150 – 160 | 45 | Recovery: Demand returned, initial price increases began. |
| 2022 | 140 – 150 | 82 | Price Spike: Value nearly doubled due to high energy costs & supply chain issues. |
| 2023 | 160 – 170 | 53 | Price Softening: Volume hit a record high, but market prices started to ease. |
| 2024 YTD | (Projection) | 42 (Jan-Aug) | Deceleration: Value continues to drop as commodity prices stabilize. |
Source: Adapted from FAO Fertilizer Market Developments and related global trade analyses (based on international data like UN Comtrade). Figures are approximate and indicative.
Key Takeaways for Your Readers
Massive Volatility: The trade value experienced a dramatic jump from $45 billion in 2021 to $82 billion in 2022, primarily driven by crude fertilizer inputs like natural gas and potash. This highlights the market's sensitivity to energy and geopolitical shocks.
Sustained Demand: Despite the price swings, the trade volume (in tonnes) has remained largely stable or increased, underscoring the non-negotiable global need for these raw materials in agriculture and food security.
Classification: For direct UN Comtrade research, the general category is SITC Rev. 3, Division 27 ("Crude fertilizers... and crude minerals").
🪨 Global Trade Breakdown: Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (SITC Rev. 3, Division 27)
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the global export value (in USD Billion) for the sub-categories that constitute the Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals division.
| SITC Rev. 3 Code | Category Description | Estimated Global Export Value (2021) - USD Billion | Significance |
| 271 | Fertilizers, crude (excluding Division 56) | 15 - 20 | Primarily includes Phosphate rock (apatite) and crude natural Potassium salts (potash), essential for manufactured fertilizers. |
| 272 | Sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites | 4 - 6 | Sulphur is a crucial input for sulfuric acid, used heavily in phosphate fertilizer production and various industrial chemicals. |
| 273 | Stone, sand, and gravel | 5 - 8 | Covers materials like quartz, sand, granite, and limestone, vital for construction and glass/ceramic industries. |
| 274 | Salt, pure sodium chloride; sea water | 1 - 2 | Used widely in the chemical industry, water treatment, and food preservation. |
| 277 | Other crude minerals (excluding coal, petroleum, and ores) | 20 - 25 | A large, diverse group that includes Asbestos, natural abrasives (e.g., pumice, emery), clay, and industrial talc. |
| 278 | Crude minerals, n.e.s. | 5 - 10 | Catch-all for other non-metallic minerals not specifically classified elsewhere. |
| Total (Approximate) | Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals | $\approx 50 - 71$ | Total global trade value for this raw materials division. |
Source: Estimates based on UN Comtrade International Trade Statistics Yearbook data for SITC Rev. 3 (2021 data is often the most complete recent year available for granular global breakdowns). Figures are approximate.
Key Observations from the Breakdown
Crude Minerals Dominance: While Crude Fertilizers (271) are important and often volatile, the largest single value component in the division is often Other crude minerals (277), reflecting the massive global trade in industrial-use non-metallic minerals (clays, talc, abrasives, etc.).
Volatile Fertilizer Inputs: The Fertilizers, crude (271) category's value is extremely sensitive to global agricultural demand and, more recently, geopolitical factors affecting key suppliers (e.g., Canada, Russia, Morocco).
Industrial Foundation: Categories like Sulphur (272) and Stone, sand, and gravel (273) represent the foundational inputs for manufacturing and construction worldwide.
UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade Leaders in Crude Fertilizer Materials
The trade of Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (specifically SITC 271, covering raw potash and phosphate rock) is essential for maintaining global food supplies. By analyzing UN Comtrade data, we can identify which countries possess the natural resources and which have the largest, most dependent agricultural economies.
Top 5 Global Exporters (Sellers of Crude Materials)
These nations have significant mineral reserves, making them the primary global suppliers of the raw inputs needed to manufacture finished fertilizers. Figures are based on 2022/2023 estimated trade values.
| Rank | Country | Key Crude Material Exported | Estimated Export Value (USD Billion) | Export Market Position |
| 1 | Canada | Crude Potash | 10.4 – 13.7 | The world's largest producer and exporter of potash, vital for NPK fertilizer blends. |
| 2 | Russia | Potash and Phosphate Rock | 9.9 – 15.3 | A major global supplier for both raw materials, highly influential on market prices. |
| 3 | Morocco | Phosphate Rock | 6.0 – 7.6 | Holds the largest phosphate rock reserves globally, a foundation for phosphorus fertilizers. |
| 4 | China | Phosphate Rock, Potash | 4.0 – 10.9 | A large producer that manages export volumes to ensure its massive domestic demand is met. |
| 5 | Belarus | Crude Potash | 2.0 – 5.0 | A significant supplier whose political situation directly impacts the supply chain in Europe and Asia. |
Top 5 Global Importers (Buyers of Crude Materials)
These countries represent the largest agricultural economies that rely heavily on foreign sources for these key raw materials to sustain their crop yields.
| Rank | Country | Key Crude Material Imports | Estimated Import Value (USD Billion) | Agricultural Dependence Note |
| 1 | Brazil | Potash, Phosphate Rock | 15.5 – 15.8 | Massive importer for its commodity crops (soybeans, corn), with near-total dependence on imported potash. |
| 2 | India | Phosphate Rock, Potash | 10.4 – 10.6 | A highly import-dependent nation focusing on food security for its vast population. |
| 3 | United States | Potash, Phosphate Rock | 4.6 – 9.9 | Imports raw materials to supplement domestic production and support large-scale farming. |
| 4 | China | Potash | Varies | Imports substantial potash to balance its strong domestic phosphate production. |
| 5 | Indonesia | Various Crude Fertilizers | Varies | Imports raw materials to fuel its major agricultural sectors, especially for palm oil. |
Source: Estimates adapted from UN Comtrade data and industry reports (2022/2023 figures).
⚙️ UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade in Crude or Unrefined Sulphur (HS 250310)
This table reflects the major countries leading the global trade in sulphur, a key input for the chemical and fertilizer industries, based on 2023 trade values (in thousands of USD).
Top Exporters of Crude or Unrefined Sulphur (2023)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Export Value (1000 USD) | Approximate Export Value (USD Million) | Primary Source |
| 1 | Canada | 349,204 | 349.2 | Natural gas processing (Claus process) |
| 2 | Qatar | 342,051 | 342.1 | Oil and gas refining |
| 3 | Zambia | 284,498 | 284.5 | Mining operations (smelter gas capture) |
| 4 | Kazakhstan | 276,507 | 276.5 | Oil and gas refining |
| 5 | United States | 239,299 | 239.3 | Oil and gas refining |
Top Importers of Crude or Unrefined Sulphur (2023)
The primary importers are often large-scale fertilizer and chemical manufacturers who convert sulphur into sulfuric acid.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Import Value (1000 USD) | Approximate Import Value (USD Million) | Main Use |
| 1 | China | N/A (Consolidated) | 75.1 (Iron Pyrites only) | Fertilizer production (Sulfuric acid) |
| 2 | India | N/A (Consolidated) | High Demand | Fertilizer production (Phosphates) |
| 3 | Brazil | N/A (Consolidated) | High Demand | Fertilizer production for agriculture |
| 4 | Chile | 129,576 | 129.6 | Mining (metal processing) |
| 5 | Morocco | 71,114 | 71.1 | Phosphate fertilizer industry |
Source: Adapted from UN Comtrade/WITS data for HS 250310 (Crude Sulphur) and HS 2502 (Iron Pyrites) for 2023. Note: Full, consistent global import data is often fragmented in public UN Comtrade searches, particularly for large, integrated markets like China and India.
Note on Sulphur vs. Iron Pyrites
Sulphur (HS 2503): This is the dominant part of the trade, with hundreds of millions of USD traded globally, mostly as a byproduct of hydrocarbon processing.
Iron Pyrites (HS 2502): This trade is much smaller, with the global trade value estimated at only around $118 million USD in 2023. The largest exporter of pyrites was Bulgaria ($33.8M), and the largest importer was China ($75.1M).
🏗️ UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade in Stone, Sand, and Gravel (HS 2517)
This table shows the major countries trading in pebbles, gravel, and crushed stone (HS 2517), which form the core of the SITC 273 division, based on 2023 trade values.
Top Exporters of Stone, Sand, and Gravel (2023)
Global exports of this category totaled approximately $3.63 billion USD in 2023.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Export Value (USD Million) | Primary Export Destinations |
| 1 | Norway | 443 | Europe, United States |
| 2 | China | 339 | Asia-Pacific region |
| 3 | United Arab Emirates | 333 | Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, South Asia |
| 4 | Germany | 245 | European Union countries |
| 5 | France | 153 | European Union countries |
Top Importers of Stone, Sand, and Gravel (2023)
Importers are typically countries with high demand for infrastructure/construction and limited local quarrying resources, often due to population density or lack of appropriate stone.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Import Value (USD Million) | Primary Import Sources |
| 1 | United States | 309 | Canada, Mexico, Norway |
| 2 | Netherlands | 288 | Germany, Belgium, Norway |
| 3 | Singapore | 265 | Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand |
| 4 | Qatar | 214 | United Arab Emirates, Oman |
| 5 | Belgium | 179 | Netherlands, France |
Source: Adapted from UN Comtrade/OEC data for HS 2517 (Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone) for 2023. Values are approximate due to slight differences in data aggregation.
Key Trade Insights
Regional Trade: The trade is heavily concentrated in specific regions. For instance, Singapore is a major importer, relying entirely on nearby sources like Malaysia and Indonesia for land reclamation and construction materials.
Net Trade Balance: Countries with large reserves and efficient coastal shipping (like Norway and UAE) consistently run large trade surpluses, while highly developed or resource-poor port cities (like Singapore and the Netherlands) run large trade deficits.
🧂 UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade in Salt (HS 2501)
This table shows the major countries leading the export and import of salt and pure sodium chloride, based on 2023 trade values. The United States is notably the largest importer, while a mix of major commodity producers (Australia, India) and manufacturing hubs (Netherlands, Germany) lead exports.
Top 5 Global Exporters of Salt (2023)
These countries are the primary sources of salt, whether from rock salt mining, solution mining, or solar evaporation.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Export Value (USD Million) | Primary Export Type / Note |
| 1 | Australia | 570 | Dominated by solar salt for industrial and chemical use in Asia. |
| 2 | India | 446 | Major solar salt producer with competitive pricing; exports widely. |
| 3 | Netherlands | 401 | Large exporter, primarily due to re-export and high-value processed salt. |
| 4 | Germany | 372 | Major source of vacuum and rock salt, highly integrated with the European market. |
| 5 | United States | 258 | Exports various salt types, though also a massive net importer. |
Top 5 Global Importers of Salt (2023)
These countries require large volumes of salt for industrial applications (chlor-alkali production), de-icing, and food processing, exceeding their domestic production capacity.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Import Value (USD Million) | Primary Use / Dependence Note |
| 1 | United States | 651 | Massive importer, particularly for road de-icing and industrial chemicals. |
| 2 | China | 405 | Imports industrial salt to fuel its chemical and manufacturing sectors. |
| 3 | Japan | 338 | Highly dependent on imports for industrial salt due to limited domestic reserves. |
| 4 | Germany | 264 | Imports high volumes to supplement domestic production, especially for industrial uses. |
| 5 | Korea, Rep. | 247 | High reliance on imported salt for industrial and food processing needs. |
Source: Adapted from UN Comtrade/OEC/WITS data for HS 2501 (Salt, pure sodium chloride; sea water) for 2023. Values are approximate.
Key Trade Insight: The US Salt Paradox
The United States stands out as both a top exporter and the largest importer, indicating a specialized and massive domestic market. It typically exports higher-value industrial or food-grade salt and imports vast quantities of lower-cost, bulk salt (like rock salt for road de-icing in the winter months).
💎 UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade in Other Crude Minerals (SITC 277)
This table reflects the major countries involved in the trade of diverse industrial minerals (e.g., industrial diamonds, clays, talc, mica, natural abrasives), which constitute the SITC 277 category.
Top Exporters of Other Crude Minerals (SITC 277) - 2023 Estimates
| Rank | Country | Primary Minerals Exported | Estimated Export Value (USD Million) | Market Role |
| 1 | China | Clays (Kaolin, Bentonite), Graphite, Talc | 1,800 – 2,500 | Major producer and exporter of industrial clays and graphite. |
| 2 | India | Natural Abrasives, Mica, Industrial Clays | 1,200 – 1,800 | Strong presence in natural abrasives (e.g., garnet) and mica. |
| 3 | United States | Clays (Bentonite, Kaolin), Talc, Pumice | 1,000 – 1,500 | Key exporter of specialized clays for drilling and coatings. |
| 4 | South Africa | Industrial Diamonds | 600 – 1,000 | A leading source for high-value industrial diamonds and related abrasives. |
| 5 | Turkey | Feldspar, Clay Minerals | 500 – 800 | Significant supplier of feldspar for the ceramics and glass industries. |
Top Importers of Other Crude Minerals (SITC 277) - 2023 Estimates
Importers are typically major manufacturing economies that require large volumes of these industrial minerals as inputs for finished products (e.g., ceramics, plastics, electronics, drilling muds).
| Rank | Country | Primary Minerals Imported | Estimated Import Value (USD Million) | Industrial Use Note |
| 1 | China | Industrial Diamonds, Various Clays, Talc | 2,000 – 3,000 | Massive import base to support its enormous manufacturing and construction sectors. |
| 2 | United States | Industrial Diamonds, Natural Abrasives | 1,500 – 2,200 | Imports high-value industrial diamonds and specific clays/fillers. |
| 3 | Japan | Clays, Graphite, Talc | 800 – 1,200 | Imports materials for high-tech manufacturing, ceramics, and chemical processes. |
| 4 | Germany | Clays, Talc, Abrasives | 700 – 1,000 | Imports specialized minerals for advanced manufacturing and chemical industries. |
| 5 | Korea, Rep. | Clays, Industrial Diamonds | 500 – 800 | High import reliance for use in electronics and industrial coatings. |
Source: Estimates derived from UN Comtrade data and OEC analysis of the constituent HS codes for SITC 277 (including clays, industrial diamonds, mica, etc.) for 2023. Figures are approximate.
Key Trade Insight
The value of this category is often driven by Industrial Diamonds (a high-value commodity) and bulk Industrial Clays (high volume). The list of top traders reflects countries with rich mineral resources (China, India) and major industrial manufacturing hubs (US, China, Japan, Germany).
🧩 UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade in Other Crude Minerals, n.e.s. (SITC 278)
This table reflects the major countries involved in the trade of residual crude minerals not classified elsewhere, often including miscellaneous industrial minerals and materials.
Top Exporters of Crude Minerals, n.e.s. (SITC 278) - 2022/2023 Estimates
| Rank | Country | Estimated Export Value (USD Million) | Notes on Content |
| 1 | China | 600 – 900 | Likely includes various manufactured mineral products or specific non-classified industrial minerals. |
| 2 | United States | 400 – 600 | Exports of specialized industrial and chemical minerals not covered in other categories. |
| 3 | Germany | 250 – 400 | Exports often include materials for advanced chemical or manufacturing processes. |
| 4 | Netherlands | 200 – 350 | Reflects significant re-exports of bulk materials through its major ports. |
| 5 | South Africa | 150 – 300 | Likely includes smaller volumes of specialized mining byproducts. |
Top Importers of Crude Minerals, n.e.s. (SITC 278) - 2022/2023 Estimates
Importers are typically advanced manufacturing economies seeking specialized mineral inputs for production.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Import Value (USD Million) | Primary Use Note |
| 1 | China | 700 – 1,100 | Imports various residual industrial minerals to feed its vast manufacturing base. |
| 2 | United States | 500 – 800 | Imports specialized raw materials for diverse high-tech and industrial applications. |
| 3 | Japan | 300 – 500 | Imports specific non-classified minerals for electronics and industrial processing. |
| 4 | Germany | 250 – 400 | Imports specialized raw materials for its industrial and chemical sectors. |
| 5 | Korea, Rep. | 150 – 300 | Imports residual materials for use in manufacturing and chemical industries. |
Source: Estimates based on aggregated UN Comtrade data for SITC 278 (Crude minerals, n.e.s.) and related residual HS codes for 2022/2023. Figures are highly approximate due to the fragmented nature of the category.
Key Takeaway for "N.E.S." Categories
Trade in "n.e.s." categories like SITC 278 usually flows between resource-rich countries (like China or specialized mining nations) and the world's major manufacturing and processing hubs (like the US, China, Germany, and Japan), indicating the consumption of highly specific, specialized inputs.
🚀 UN Comtrade: Highest Export/Import Growth in Crude Minerals (SITC 27)
These tables highlight the countries with the largest percentage change in trade values for key commodities within the SITC 27 grouping, often indicative of new market entrants or significant price fluctuations.
Top Export Growth in SITC 27 Components (2022-2023)
The most dramatic recent growth in this sector has been driven by Lithium concentrates, which falls under SITC 277 (Other crude minerals, n.e.s.). Australia's lithium exports, in particular, showed phenomenal growth rates in 2022 due to rising prices and high demand.
| Rank | Country | Commodity (SITC 27 Sub-category) | Change Period | Estimated Growth Rate (Y-o-Y) | Growth Driver |
| 1 | Australia | Lithium Concentrates (SITC 277) | Jun Qtr 2021 to Jun Qtr 2022 | +737% | Massive global increase in lithium price and production volume for EVs/batteries. |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | Mineral Exports (SITC 27) | 2023 (Overall Exports) | +23.9% | Strong overall growth in non-hydrocarbon mineral commodity exports. |
| 3 | Canada | Crude Potash (SITC 271) | 2021-2022 | +30% to +50% | Global fertilizer price shock following geopolitical events; Canada is the largest producer. |
| 4 | Zambia | Sulphur (SITC 272) | 2022-2023 | High Growth | Increased production of sulphur as a byproduct of expanded copper mining/smelting. |
| 5 | Morocco | Phosphate Rock (SITC 271) | 2022 | High Growth | Substantial increase in the price of phosphate rock and derivatives due to global demand. |
Top Import Growth in SITC 27 Components (2022-2023)
Import growth reflects countries aggressively stocking or utilizing crude materials, often due to national agricultural subsidies, industrial expansion, or post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
| Rank | Country | Commodity (SITC 27 Sub-category) | Change Period | Estimated Growth Rate (Y-o-Y) | Growth Driver |
| 1 | China | Lithium Concentrates (SITC 277) | Jun Qtr 2021 to Jun Qtr 2022 | +1189% | Dominant global processing hub for battery materials, driving massive raw material imports. |
| 2 | Brazil | Nitrogen Fertilizers (SITC 27 / 56) | 2022-2023 | High Volume Growth | Recovering from supply chain shocks, importing massive volumes for its agricultural sector. |
| 3 | Puerto Rico | All Imports | 2023 to 2024 (Jan-Dec) | +228.5% | Overall import growth may include significant construction materials (SITC 273). |
| 4 | Switzerland | All Imports | 2023 to 2024 (Jan-Dec) | +224.8% | Overall import growth may include specialized industrial minerals (SITC 277/278). |
| 5 | Thailand | Nitrogen Fertilizers (SITC 56) | 2022-2023 | High Volume Growth | Major agricultural economy increasing fertilizer inputs. |
Source: Adapted from UN Comtrade, WITS, and National Statistics Bureau reports focusing on high-growth SITC 27 constituent commodities (Lithium, Potash, Sulphur, and associated materials) for 2022-2023 data.
Note on Volatility: High percentage growth often results from commodity price spikes (like fertilizers and lithium in 2022) or low trade volumes in the base year. The growth rate is not always a reflection of the largest absolute trade value.
📝 Conclusion: The Critical Role of Crude Minerals in Global Trade
The detailed analysis of UN Comtrade data across the entire Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (SITC 27) division highlights the fundamental and often volatile nature of this raw materials trade. These commodities—ranging from fertilizers and industrial minerals to construction aggregates—serve as non-negotiable inputs for global food production, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
Here is a summary of the key findings across the SITC 27 categories we reviewed (SITC 271, 272, 273, 274, 277, and 278):
Key Takeaways from the SITC 27 Trade Analysis
| SITC Code | Category | Core Trade Insight | Leading Trade Players (Exporters/Importers) |
| 271 | Crude Fertilizers (Potash, Phosphate Rock) | Trade is highly volatile in value, but essential for global food security. Demand is driven by large agricultural economies. | Exporters: Canada, Russia, Morocco. Importers: Brazil, India, USA. |
| 272 | Sulphur and Iron Pyrites | Value is dominated by Sulphur, a critical chemical byproduct used almost entirely for producing sulfuric acid (a key input for phosphate fertilizers). | Exporters: Canada, Qatar, Kazakhstan. Importers: China, India, Morocco. |
| 273 | Stone, Sand, and Gravel | Trade is constrained by high transport costs, making it heavily regional. Demand is driven by major construction and land reclamation projects. | Exporters: Norway, UAE, China. Importers: Singapore, Netherlands, USA. |
| 274 | Salt (Pure Sodium Chloride) | Dual-market trade for industrial chemicals/de-icing and food/specialty use. Importers are often chemical and manufacturing powerhouses. | Exporters: Australia, India, Netherlands. Importers: USA, China, Japan. |
| 277 | Other Crude Minerals (Clays, Talc, Abrasives) | Highly diverse, high-value trade driven by specialized industrial inputs (e.g., kaolin, industrial diamonds). Reflects demand from advanced manufacturing. | Exporters: China, India, USA. Importers: China, USA, Japan. |
| 278 | Crude Minerals, n.e.s. | Residual category showing trade in specialized, small-volume industrial inputs flowing between resource suppliers and key manufacturing hubs. | Exporters: China, USA, Germany. Importers: China, USA, Japan. |
Global Implications
Vulnerability and Geopolitics: The trade in crude fertilizers (SITC 271) is a critical indicator of global food security. Price volatility (as seen in 2022) immediately transmits risk to agricultural costs worldwide. Exporters like Canada (potash) and Morocco (phosphate) wield significant market influence.
Manufacturing Foundation: The stability of industrial production in places like China, the US, and Germany depends on the consistent, specialized import of materials from SITC 277 and 278 (clays, graphite, talc).
Regional Dependence: For bulk commodities like stone (SITC 273), trade is a story of intense regional dependence, with high import nations (like Singapore) relying almost entirely on nearby neighbors.
In summary, the UN Comtrade data for Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals offers a granular view into the upstream supply chains that dictate the cost of food, the pace of construction, and the inputs for nearly every manufactured good on the planet.