Fluorspar Import Surge: Growing Reliance on Global Supply

October 2025 saw a marginal increase in China's domestic fluorspar supply compared to September. While the overall operating rate of domestic fluorspar enterprises remained stable, stringent national security and environmental regulations continue to keep some small and medium-sized enterprises shuttered. The fact that fluorspar flotation plants in Northern China hadn’t yet halted operations meant domestic fluorspar supply was roughly on par with the previous month.

Looking at the bigger picture, September 2025 witnessed China importing a total of 160,000 tons of fluorspar and exporting 21,700 tons, resulting in a net import of 138,300 tons. Mongolia remains the top source of imported fluorspar, followed by Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Examining the January-September 2025 period, China's total fluorspar imports reached 1,278,200 tons, comprising 1,216,800 tons of fluorspar with a calcium fluoride content ≤97% and 61,400 tons with a calcium fluoride content >97%. The net import for this period stood at 1,061,300 tons. In comparison, during January-September 2024, China imported 790,100 tons, exported 193,600 tons, and had a net import of 596,500 tons.

These figures reveal a clear upward trend in China's fluorspar imports, exports, and net imports year-on-year. This growth underscores China's escalating demand for fluorspar, which is coupled with domestic production constraints due to environmental and safety concerns. Consequently, the country is increasingly relying on imports to bridge the gap. This intensifying dependence highlights a widening divide between domestic fluorspar supply and demand. Businesses involved in the import and export of fluorochemicals and related products should carefully monitor these trends and consider strategies for navigating this evolving landscape. 

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