In 2024, global production of crude phosphate, an essential raw material for manufacturing phosphate fertilizers, reached approximately 240 million metric tons.
According to consolidated data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this production is now more than ever highly concentrated geographically around a few major players.
At the forefront of this industry, China stands out significantly, with an estimated production of 110 million metric tons in 2024. This volume represents nearly half of the world’s production, exactly 45.8%.
This hegemonic position is explained by a highly developed industrial network capable of exploiting and processing massive deposits, massive domestic demand driven by its vast agriculture and fertilizer needs, as well as proactive public policies governing the exploitation and export of phosphates.
According to the same USGS data, five Arab countries accounted for nearly a quarter of the world’s phosphate production in 2024, with a total close to 60 million metric tons.
Leading this ranking is Morocco, just behind China, with 30 million tons, or 12.5% of global production. Next is Jordan, which produced about 12 million tons (5%), followed by Saudi Arabia with 9.5 million tons (4%).
Egypt contributed 5 million tons (2.1%), while Tunisia, with 3.3 million tons, ranks 10th globally and 5th in the Arab world, representing 1.4% of global production.
In the global ranking, several countries outside the Asian and Arab blocs also contribute significantly to phosphate production in 2024.
The United States, with 20 million tons, ranks 3rd globally, accounting for 8.3% of total production.
Next is Russia, which produced 14 million tons (5.8%), followed by Brazil with 5.3 million tons (2.2%) and Peru, with 5 million tons (2.1%).
