摘要：In just about every aspect of life, dependency can be equated with vulnerability, and in the case of phosphorus, this vulnerability potentially puts whole nations at significant risk. Phosphorus is vital in the semi-conductor industry, automobile industry, fertilizer industry and all aspects of agriculture. With one third of the world’s population housed in Asia and the numbers steadily rising, the demand for phosphorus is grow- ing rapidly. The cultural shifts and changes in consumption that come with economic improvements and urbanization throughout Asia are pushing the demand for phosphorus to grow at an ever faster rate. Confi- dence that the rising populations of Asia will have sufficient food in the future can only come from the knowledge that the necessary phosphorus will be readily available. In order to ensure this and to ensure indus- try will have the phosphorus it requires, it is essential to understand the flow of phosphorus in the region and the nature and risks associated with phosphorus dependence.
关键词：Asia; dependency; international trade; virtual phosphorus
