Nutrien Calls for Removal of Phosphate Tariffs

Leading U.S. producer says duties hurt farmers and food security

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As a five-year review of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer from Russia and Morocco gets underway, Nutrien, one of the largest U.S. producers, says it is time to lift the tariffs. The company argues that removing the duties would support U.S. farmer economics, balanced fertilizer application, and agricultural productivity.

Why it matters

The countervailing duties, which have been in place since 2021, have been a source of contention for farmers and their allies in Congress, who argue the tariffs are contributing to tight fertilizer supplies and higher costs. An analysis by Texas A&M University economists estimates the duties have cost U.S. farmers $6.9 billion through the 2021 to 2025 planting seasons.

The details

Nutrien, which produces 20% of the U.S. phosphate fertilizer output through facilities in North Carolina and Florida, has been one of the main beneficiaries of the countervailing duties. However, the company now says that 'based on evolving global phosphate supply and demand dynamics since 2021,' removing the tariffs would be a 'constructive step' to support U.S. farmers and agricultural productivity. The International Trade Commission is investigating whether repealing the duties would hurt U.S. producers as part of a mandatory five-year review.

  • The countervailing duties have been in place since 2021.
  • The five-year review of the duties is currently underway.

The players

Nutrien

A leading U.S. producer of phosphate fertilizer, based in Saskatchewan, Canada, that operates two production facilities in the U.S.

Mosaic

The petitioner in the countervailing duty cases, responsible for more than half of all U.S. phosphate production from four facilities, including the largest in the U.S. located in New Wales, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Based on evolving global phosphate supply and demand dynamics since 2021, we believe removing countervailing duties on phosphate imports would be a constructive step that supports U.S. farmer economics, balanced fertilizer application and agricultural productivity.”

— Nutrien spokesperson (Agri-Pulse)

“Farmers and food security are at the centre of everything we do, and we continuously engage with our customers and associations on issues that are important to U.S. agriculture.”

— Nutrien spokesperson (Agri-Pulse)

What’s next

The International Trade Commission will decide whether to repeal the countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Russia and Morocco as part of its mandatory five-year review.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between U.S. fertilizer producers, who have benefited from the tariffs, and farmers, who have faced higher costs and tighter supplies as a result. The outcome of the ITC review could have significant implications for the U.S. agricultural sector's access to affordable and balanced fertilizer inputs.