Potash

In 2012, world potash production, consumption and sales decreased from 2011. High inventories of potash, primarily in China and India, forced major producers to reduce output in 2012. U.S. production was estimated to have decreased to 900 kt (990,000 st) potassium oxide (K₂O) in 2012 from 1 Mt (1.1 million st) K₂O in 2011. World production was estimated to have decreased to 34 Mt (37 million st) K₂O in 2012 from 36.4 Mt (40 million st) K₂O in 2011. Canada continued to lead the world in potash production. Russia, Belarus and Germany were other leading producers, by order of output. The U.S. ranked eighth in world production.