US suspends duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports

US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of countervailing and anti-dumping duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco. The measure was introduced in response to a fertilizer supply emergency affecting US farmers and will remain in force for eight months or until the emergency declaration is lifted.

According to the White House, global supply chains for phosphate fertilizers and key production inputs have been disrupted by armed conflicts and trade restrictions. In particular, the conflict in the Middle East and prolonged disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz significantly reduced fertilizer exports from the region while driving up sulfur and ammonia prices.

Although shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has gradually resumed, vessel-tracking data indicate that Saudi Arabian phosphate cargoes are currently not bound for the United States. This continues to raise concerns over fertilizer availability for the upcoming agricultural season.

Countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia were introduced in 2021 after US fertilizer producer Mosaic claimed that subsidized imports had caused material injury to the domestic market. Meanwhile, the US Department of Commerce has been conducting a five-year sunset review of the duties since March 2026, with a preliminary decision expected no earlier than July 20.

The White House said it will continue monitoring fertilizer supply conditions and may take additional measures if market disruptions persist or supply risks intensify.

Tags: USA, fertilizers, Morocco