US farm groups are asking the government to remove taxes on phosphate fertiliser imported from Morocco. They say the tariffs are making fertilisers more expensive and putting extra pressure on farmers.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) sent a letter to fertiliser companies Mosaic and Simplot, asking them to stop supporting the tariffs. The taxes were put in place after a 2021 complaint.
Farm leaders say the tariffs have kept prices high at a time when global fertiliser markets are already under pressure from international tensions, including problems in the Gulf, a key shipping route.
Scott Metzger, ASA president and soybean farmer in Ohio, said higher fertiliser costs make it harder for farmers to make a profit, especially for crops like soybeans and corn that need a lot of phosphate fertiliser.
The farm groups say that access to affordable imported fertilisers is important to keep US farms competitive and to make sure farmers have enough supplies for planting.
The tariffs are currently being reviewed by the US Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. The review will decide whether the taxes should continue or be removed.
