US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertiliser imports.

The temporary suspension aims to increase phosphate fertiliser availability, improve competition, and help lower expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertiliser supply ahead of future planting seasons.

Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertiliser costs as additional supplies enter the U.S market.

The action is expected to reduce phosphate fertiliser prices by approximately 22%, benefiting more than 100,000 farms across 97 million planted acres nationwide.

U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said: “As we have worked to implement America First fertiliser actions - from waiving the Jones Act to implementing more flexible Hours of Service waivers - we have focused on finding short-term solutions while delivering long-term stability for our nation’s farmers.

“Today’s announcement will bring immediate relief to producers who rely on these critical inputs with an estimated 22% reduction in phosphate fertiliser prices, and $1.82 billion in annual savings for producers.

"President Trump will always put farmers first, and he will continue to fight for those that feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”

Fertiliser affordability

This latest announcement is part of a series of actions taken by the Trump Administration aimed at strengthening fertiliser affordability, improving supply chain resilience, and expanding domestic production.

The US Administration has designated phosphate and potash as critical minerals and signed a USDA-Department of Justice Memorandum of Understanding to address anti-competitive practices affecting agricultural inputs.

It has also been working with federal partners to accelerate major domestic fertiliser manufacturing projects, and recently established a dedicated USDA Agricultural Economist position focused on fertiliser markets and agricultural inputs.

USDA said that it continues to support long-term domestic fertiliser production by advancing major manufacturing projects across the country that should strengthen supply chains, create rural jobs, and reduce America’s reliance on foreign fertiliser sources.

Deputy secretary, Stephen Alexander Vaden added: “President Trump’s action today will provide immediate relief as well as a stable source of supply for American producers as they enter fall application season.

“The department will continue to support initiatives to secure American farmers’ access to fertiliser, including by increasing domestic production capacity.”