Trump considers suspending Moroccan fertilizers duties amid corn grower pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering temporarily suspending countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia, following pressure from corn producers urging the U.S. authorities to review the current policy. Texas farmers say rising phosphate costs have significantly affected crop profitability, while the existing duties have restricted access to a key resource, costing U.S. agriculture about $1 billion annually.

The issue began in 2020, when Mosaic Company filed a complaint alleging that Moroccan phosphate imports were unfairly subsidized. After reviewing the case, the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed countervailing duties, effectively limiting Moroccan phosphate supplies to the U.S. market.

Farmers and industry associations, including the Texas Corn Producers Association, have sent letters to the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission urging the removal of duties during the five-year “sunset review” starting in April. This review allows regulators to evaluate whether the measures should remain in place.

Economic analysis supports the push to remove the duties. According to Texas A&M Ag and Food Policy Center, diammonium phosphate prices rose by 28.6% during the period when the full duty rate was applied, and additional costs for U.S. producers of major crops totaled around $6.9 billion from 2021–2025. Farmers argue that eliminating the duties would at least partially ease financial pressures.

Fertilizer producers also back reconsidering the policy. Nutrien stated that removing duties could be a constructive step to support farmer economics, balanced fertilizer use, and agricultural productivity.

Farmers emphasize that access to Moroccan phosphate is critical for U.S. agriculture. Restoring supplies would increase market competition, improve availability, and reduce costs—especially important during the planting season. Growers hope that their comments will be considered during the sunset review and that the duties will be lifted.

Tags: USA, fertilizers, duties, Morocco