President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports,
The temporary suspension aims 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.
Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer costs as additional supplies enter the U.S. 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.
“As we have worked to implement America First fertilizer actions—from waiving the Jones Act to implementing more flexible Hours of Service waivers—we have focused on finding short-term solutions while delivering long-term stability for our nation’s farmers,” said U.S. Secretary of Ag Brooke L. Rollins. “Today’s announcement will bring immediate relief to producers who rely on these critical inputs with an estimated 22 percent reduction in phosphate fertilizer prices, and $1.82 billion in annual savings for producers. President Trump will always put farmers first, and he will continue to fight for those that feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”
The Administration has designated phosphate and potash as critical minerals, signed a USDA-Department of Justice Memorandum of Understanding to address anti-competitive practices affecting agricultural inputs, worked with federal partners to accelerate major domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects and recently established a dedicated USDA Agricultural Economist position focused on fertilizer markets and agricultural inputs.
In addition to providing immediate relief through increased fertilizer availability, USDA looks to continue support long-term domestic fertilizer production by advancing major manufacturing projects across the country that will strengthen supply chains, create rural jobs and reduce America’s reliance on foreign fertilizer sources.
“President Trump’s action today will provide immediate relief as well as a stable source of supply for American producers as they enter fall application season,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden. “The Department will continue to support initiatives to secure American farmers’ access to fertilizer, including by increasing domestic production capacity.”
— Story contributed by the U.S. Department of Ag
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