President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on 29 June 2026 temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain imported phosphate fertilizers, a step the U.S. Department of Agriculture says will lower one of farming's largest production costs ahead of the coming planting seasons.

USDA analysis puts the potential saving to American farmers at approximately $1.82 billion a year as additional supplies enter the U.S. market. The department expects phosphate fertilizer prices to fall by about 22 percent, with the benefit spread across more than 100,000 farms and 97 million planted acres. The release did not specify which countries' phosphate products are covered by the suspension or how long it will last.

"Today's announcement will bring immediate relief to producers who rely on these critical inputs," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, citing the estimated 22 percent price reduction and $1.82 billion in annual savings. She listed earlier steps on fertilizer, including a Jones Act waiver and more flexible Hours of Service waivers for haulage.

Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden said the action "will provide immediate relief as well as a stable source of supply for American producers as they enter fall application season", and that the department would keep supporting efforts to raise domestic production capacity.

USDA said the suspension builds on a series of measures on fertilizer supply: phosphate and potash have been designated critical minerals, USDA and the Department of Justice have signed a memorandum of understanding on anti-competitive practices in agricultural inputs, federal agencies are working to accelerate major domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects, and the department has created a dedicated agricultural economist post focused on fertilizer markets and inputs.

Fertilizer is among the largest costs facing U.S. crop producers, USDA said. A 22 percent fall in phosphate prices, if realised, would arrive as growers plan autumn applications and budget for 2027 crops; for phosphate exporters, the suspension opens the U.S. market to product that had faced duties.

Source: USDA