China released its new tariff schedule effective Sept. 1. As expected, it significantly boosted the export duty. Also, as reported in Green Markets, the duty on urea will be lowered by 10 points in the final quarter.
The new special tariffs are above and beyond the standard duties already imposed on exported fertilizer.
Nitrogen-based fertilizers will have an additional export tariff of 150 percent effective Sept. 1. Other fertilizers will be charged at 100 percent beyond the existing rate effective October 1.
The new rate means that exports of urea will be taxed at 185 percent for the month of September. For the fourth quarter, the duty will be 175 percent. The new tariffs will be in effect through December 31, 2008.
Due to an editing error in transcribing the table, the phosphate duty was earlier incorrectly reported in a Green Markets Alert. Instead of an additional duty on DAP and MAP, the 130 percent duty is on TSP and SSP. Sources report the DAP and MAP duty remains at 120 percent.
The table of special fertilizer tariffs follows.
| General Description | Product | Export tax rate | Special tariff rate |
| Phosphoric Acid | 0 | 100% | |
| Ammonia | 0 | 150% | |
| Nitrogen Fertilizers | Urea | From April 1 to Sept 30: 35%. From Oct 1 to Dec 31: 25% |
150% |
| Phosphate Fertilizers | DAP MAP |
30% 30% |
100% |
| Potassium Fertilizers | 30% | 100% |