More than 50 state agricultural groups and eight national farm organizations are pressing federal trade officials to lift tariffs on imported phosphate fertilizers, arguing the policy is worsening already strained economic conditions across U.S. agriculture.
In a letter sent this week to the U.S. International Trade Commission, groups including the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and National Association of Wheat Growers urged the agency to revoke countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco. The signatories warned that maintaining the tariffs would further restrict supply and drive up costs for farmers already facing tight margins.
“Maintaining the phosphate fertilizer duties will allow a small set of powerful corporations to continue to limit supply options for farmers,” the groups wrote, adding that the restrictions have made it harder for growers to access key crop inputs, contributing to lower yields and financial strain.
The dispute dates back to 2020, when the trade commission imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and Russia following a petition from The Mosaic Company, supported by J.R. Simplot Company. The companies argued that foreign producers were benefiting from government subsidies and undercutting U.S. prices.
The tariffs are now under review through a legally required “sunset review” process that will determine whether they remain in place. A final decision is expected in the spring of 2027.
Farm groups contend the duties have already reshaped the fertilizer market, contributing to tighter supplies and higher prices after at least one Moroccan supplier curtailed shipments to the United States. Prices for phosphate fertilizers surged during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and, while they have moderated somewhat, farmers say affordability remains a challenge, with fertilizer costs still elevated relative to crop prices.
In their letter, the organizations argued that the current policy benefits a small number of domestic producers at the expense of growers nationwide. They also noted that the United States lacks sufficient domestic phosphate resources to meet agricultural demand, making imports critical to maintaining production.
A separate appeal from farmers urging Mosaic and Simplot to withdraw their original petition has gone unanswered, according to the groups, leaving the fate of the tariffs in the hands of federal regulators as the review process unfolds.
CLICK HERE to read the letter.
