U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Phosphate Rock And Phosphatic Materials

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of phosphate rock and various phosphatic materials imported into the United States for consumption. These materials are critical inputs for the production of fertilizers and other industrial products, playing a vital role in agriculture and food production. Tracking import volumes and values helps assess supply chain dynamics, market demand, and economic dependencies on foreign sources, which are essential for policy-making, trade negotiations, and ensuring the stability of domestic industries reliant on these raw materials.

In 2023, the U.S. imported 2.59 million metric tons of unground phosphate rock valued at $382 million, marking a slight increase from 2.5 million metric tons and $339 million in 2022, with Peru remaining the sole supplier. Notably, imports of diammonium phosphate more than doubled from 513,000 to 1.23 million metric tons, with its value rising from $432 million to $725 million, primarily sourced from Saudi Arabia (63%), Jordan (13%), and Tunisia (6%). Monoammonium phosphate imports also increased from 796,000 to 1.12 million metric tons, though its value slightly decreased from $679 million to $635 million, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Mexico as leading suppliers. Conversely, imports of dicalcium phosphate and elemental phosphorus declined in both quantity and value, with dicalcium phosphate dropping from 10,000 to 10,000 metric tons but its value falling from $26.7 million to $19.3 million, and elemental phosphorus decreasing from 10,000 to 6,000 metric tons and from $45 million to $29.3 million in value. Smaller categories such as phosphoric acid and fertilizers containing nitrates and phosphates showed minor fluctuations, with phosphoric acid imports increasing in quantity and value, mainly from Vietnam and Mexico. These trends highlight shifting supply patterns and evolving demand within the U.S. phosphatic materials market.