Trump Suspends Duties on Some Phosphate Fertilizer Imports

President Donald J. Trump has signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, a move the administration says is intended to increase fertilizer availability and reduce costs for U.S. farmers.

According to the announcement, the temporary suspension is expected to improve competition in the phosphate fertilizer market while supporting a more stable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the action could reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by approximately 22% and save American farmers about $1.82 billion annually as additional supplies enter the U.S. market. USDA said more than 100,000 farms across 97 million planted acres could benefit from the lower fertilizer costs.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said the action builds on previous efforts to improve fertilizer availability.

“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 Agriculture 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 said the proclamation is part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. fertilizer supply chain and expand domestic production. Previous actions cited in the announcement include designating phosphate and potash as critical minerals, signing a USDA-Department of Justice Memorandum of Understanding to address anti-competitive practices affecting agricultural inputs, accelerating domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects and creating a dedicated USDA Agricultural Economist position focused on fertilizer markets and agricultural inputs.

The USDA also said it will continue supporting domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects intended to strengthen supply chains, create rural jobs and reduce reliance on foreign fertilizer sources.

Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden said, “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. The Department will continue to support initiatives to secure American farmers’ access to fertilizer, including by increasing domestic production capacity.”

Fertilizer remains one of the largest production expenses for many farming operations. According to the administration, the temporary suspension is intended to provide short-term cost relief while complementing longer-term efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production and improve supply chain resilience.