China has been advised by former World Bank president David Malpass to halt hoarding food and fertilizers to alleviate the global supply shortage triggered by the US-Iran conflict. Malpass highlighted China’s substantial stockpiles of these essential commodities and suggested they cease further accumulation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a rush by various nations to secure fertilizer reserves for spring planting, with China suspending fertilizer exports since March to safeguard domestic needs.
Industry experts have cautioned that the disruption in fertilizer supplies could result in a loss of up to 10 billion meals per week worldwide, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable nations. Yara’s CEO, Svein Tore Holsether, warned that reduced crop yields due to fertilizer scarcity might spark a competitive struggle for food resources. In 2025, China accounted for a quarter of global fertilizer production, exporting goods worth over $13 billion, with export restrictions already in place since 2021.
David Malpass also criticized China’s self-designation as a developing nation, emphasizing its status as the world’s second-largest economy. In response, the Chinese embassy’s spokesperson in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, defended China’s developing nation status, citing substantial evidence to support the claim. Pengyu asserted China’s commitment to stabilizing global food and fertilizer markets, refuting allegations that China is responsible for the current disruptions in these supply chains.
Malpass further emphasized that ensuring the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz is in China’s economic interest and urged the nation to contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict impasse. China’s role in facilitating a solution to the crisis was underscored by Malpass, emphasizing the economic benefits of a resolution in the vital shipping route.
