Phosphate
Blaming monopolies for high fertilizer costs misses the real culprit: complex global supply chains. Fighting costs requires open dialogue, not endless lawsuits.
Sulfur prices have surged more than fivefold, threatening phosphate fertilizer production. With global supply tightening, farmers could face higher prices, or even fertilizer shortages, heading into the months ahead.
As combines roll, Mosaic agronomist Tryston Beyrer says the fertility decisions made in the next 60 days — not next spring — will set the floor under 2027 yields.
The joint venture could “cut roughly in half” finished imports of phosphate fertilizers.
Industry analysts expect the move could ease phosphate pricing pressure, though not necessarily return the market to “normal.”
Koch Ag & Energy Solutions will invest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I, forming a 50/50 joint venture with OCP Nutricrops and expanding the companies’ phosphate fertilizer partnership in Morocco.
USDA says Trump’s executive order suspending phosphate duties could cut fertilizer prices by about 22%, saving U.S. farmers an estimated $1.82 billion annually across 97 million planted acres.
The Executive Order signed by President Trump Monday comes after years of farmer lobbying against phosphate duties, with Texas A&M estimating $6.9B in added costs since 2021 tied to sharply higher DAP fertilizer prices.