U.S. suspends some duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports

U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized the temporary suspension of certain anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco for up to eight months, following disruptions to global fertilizer supplies caused by the conflict involving Iran.

The decision, announced by the White House on Monday, comes as U.S. farmers face fertilizer shortages after the conflict in the Middle East disrupted supply chains and reduced exports from major producing countries. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz further constrained global supplies.

In a presidential proclamation, Trump said global phosphate fertilizer supply chains had been disrupted by conflicts in producing regions and trade measures adopted by major exporting countries. He also acknowledged that U.S. domestic production is currently insufficient to meet agricultural demand.

While the administration is working with the private sector to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing, Trump said those efforts will take time. In the meantime, countries such as Morocco are able to supply phosphate fertilizers to the United States without disruption. The suspension of the duties will remain in effect for eight months or until the emergency is lifted, whichever comes first.

According to Reuters, the measure follows comments by White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, who said in March that the Trump administration was seeking alternative fertilizer suppliers amid mounting concerns over global food security.