China has been importing more metallurgical grade fluorspar (metspar) over the years, with a significant increase from 2003 to 2012. Despite some drops in imports in certain years, the overall trend shows a steady rise. In the first quarter of 2013, China's acidspar imports have already surpassed the total imports for 2012. This increase in imports is due to China's efforts to preserve its own fluorspar resources and improve its fluorochemical market. As a result, China is becoming more dependent on other major fluorspar producing countries like Mongolia.