Phosphate Rock: World Production, By Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed data on the global production of phosphate rock, broken down by country or locality, over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. It includes both the gross weight of phosphate rock produced and the corresponding phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) content, a key measure of phosphate quality. This information is critical for understanding the supply dynamics of phosphate rock, which is a vital raw material in the production of fertilizers and various industrial chemicals. Monitoring production trends helps stakeholders anticipate market shifts, assess resource availability, and make informed decisions in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade sectors.

Analysis of the data reveals that China remains the dominant producer, with gross production increasing slightly from 93.3 million metric tons in 2019 to an estimated 105 million metric tons in 2023, and P2O5 content rising from 28 million to 31.4 million metric tons over the same period. Morocco, another major player, experienced a decline in gross weight from 38.1 million metric tons in 2021 to an estimated 33 million in 2023, with P2O5 content dropping from 11.8 million to 10.2 million metric tons, indicating potential production challenges or resource depletion. The United States showed a gradual decrease in production, with gross weight falling from 23.3 million metric tons in 2019 to an estimated 19.6 million in 2023, and P2O5 content declining from 6.53 million to 5.59 million metric tons. Notably, Jordan’s production increased steadily, reaching an estimated 11.45 million metric tons in gross weight and 3.67 million metric tons in P2O5 content in 2023, reflecting expanding mining activities. Other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Togo also showed significant growth in phosphate output, with Saudi Arabia’s P2O5 content rising from 2.28 million metric tons in 2019 to 3.2 million in 2023, and Togo nearly doubling its P2O5 content from 260,000 to 580,000 metric tons. Overall, world phosphate rock production exhibited fluctuations but remained robust, with total gross weight estimated at 233 million metric tons and P2O5 content at 72.9 million metric tons in 2023.