Trump temporarily suspends phosphate fertilizer duties, farm groups applaud move

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation last Monday temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, a move agricultural organizations say could provide much-needed relief to farmers facing high input costs.

According to the USDA, the temporary suspension is intended to increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition, and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer costs as additional supplies enter the United States market. The action is expected to reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by approximately 22%, benefiting more than 100,000 farms across 97 million planted acres nationwide.

The administration said the announcement builds on previous efforts to strengthen fertilizer affordability and supply chain resilience, including designating phosphate and potash as critical minerals, addressing anti-competitive practices affecting agricultural inputs, accelerating domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects, and establishing a dedicated USDA agricultural economist position focused on fertilizer markets and agricultural inputs.… Continue reading