A major Moroccan fertilizer supplier has returned to the United States following the suspension of federal duties earlier this summer.
Morocco’s state-owned OCP Group said its first shipment since the duties were lifted arrived in New Orleans carrying 54,000 metric tons of phosphate fertilizer.
The Trump administration suspended countervailing duties of more than 16% in June, citing concerns that limited fertilizer supplies could threaten agricultural production and food security.
Phosphate fertilizer prices have risen since February and are now at their highest levels in more than two years, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Global supply disruptions, including problems involving sulfur and other fertilizer inputs from the Middle East, have contributed to the higher costs.
OCP said the temporary tariff relief should help increase fertilizer supplies for U.S. farmers. The company added that greater long-term certainty could encourage additional investment and improve the availability of fertilizer for American producers.