President Donald Trump has signed an emergency proclamation suspending nearly 20 percent countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco for up to eight months, citing risks to the U.S. food supply, high input costs and ongoing disruptions in global fertilizer markets.
Using authority under section 318 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the order directs the Treasury and Commerce departments to allow duty‑free imports of Moroccan phosphate fertilizer for the duration of the declared emergency or for eight months, whichever comes first. The proclamation notes that U.S. production of phosphate fertilizer is currently insufficient to cover domestic agricultural needs after accounting for exports, and that timely access to imports is necessary to maintain crop production and protect economic and national security.
The administration estimates the suspension will reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by about 22 percent and generate roughly 1.82 billion dollars in annual savings for U.S. farmers, helping secure supplies ahead of the 2027 planting season. The order points to conflicts in fertilizer‑producing regions, trade actions by major producers and potential disruptions in key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz as ongoing threats to fertilizer availability and price stability.
Agriculture organizations broadly welcomed the suspension. The White House describes the move as a temporary measure while it works with private companies to expand U.S. fertilizer manufacturing capacity and reduce long‑term reliance on foreign suppliers.
Source Material:
Agri-Pulse: Trump Lifts Duties on Moroccan Phosphate
Fox Business: Trump declares food supply emergency, suspends tariffs on key fertilizer imports
Agrolatam: Trump Suspends Morocco Fertilizer Tariffs in Major Win for U.S. Farmers