Morocco’s state-owned OCP has returned to the U.S. phosphate fertilizer market after the Trump administration suspended countervailing duties on the company earlier this summer.
OCP told POLITICO that its first shipment since the duties were lifted has arrived in New Orleans, bringing 54,000 metric tons of phosphate fertilizer into the United States.
The administration suspended duties of more than 16 in June, citing concerns that tight fertilizer supplies could threaten U.S. agricultural production and food security.
Phosphate fertilizer prices have been rising since February and are now higher than at any point in the past two years, according to USDA data.
Supply disruptions in the Middle East, particularly involving sulfur and other key fertilizer inputs, have contributed to the increases.
OCP North America says temporary tariff relief is helpful, but greater long-term certainty would encourage investment and help ensure adequate fertilizer supplies for American farmers.
