Inorganic phosphates are compounds of phosphorus and oxygen that occur naturally in many forms and are usually combined with other elements (e.g., metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and aluminum).

Most inorganic phosphates contain essential nutrients. Inorganic phosphates are present in all living organisms (i.e., animals and vegetables) and are required to support life.

The Phosphate Forum of the Americas (PFA) was established in 1996 to facilitate the exchange of information on matters relating to inorganic phosphates.