Chinese demand for potash, a critical fertilizer component containing nutrients that improve growth and water retention and increase crop yields, may grow by as much as 14 percent by 2020, while some major potash producers are expected to cut production by approximately 10 percent in 2012. Demand from other developing economies will further strain global supplies of the strategic commodity in the long term. To secure its own supply, China is pursuing stakes in several foreign potash production companies. While China produces some potash, imports account for about 60 percent of the country's consumption. Despite its growing needs, China's domestic production will increase only slightly relative to its demand. Only a handful of countries, led by Canada, Russia and Belarus, export substantial amounts of potash. Israel, Jordan, Chile and Germany are smaller producers.