Middle East conflict escalation affects China's sulfur imports, posing new challenges for spring farming.

Foreign media: The escalation of the Middle East conflict is directly affecting China's sulfur imports, during the critical period of spring plowing.

47% of China's sulfur is imported, with more than half coming from the six Persian Gulf countries, transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has announced the closure of this waterway due to its war with the US and Israel, causing a surge in freight rates and tightening supply. Sulfur is a core raw material for phosphatic fertilizers and pesticides, and China, as the world's largest food producer, has huge demand.

S&P Global Energy data shows that the average onshore fertilizer price in China in January-February has already reached 520 dollars, and shipping disruptions may further push up prices, increasing the pressure on agricultural costs.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859105761094728/

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