U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended certain duties on phosphate fertiliser imports from Morocco, as American farmers face supply shortages linked to recent conflict in the Middle East.
The White House said the move would remain in place for up to eight months, or until the declared emergency ends.
In a proclamation issued on Monday (29 June), Trump said global fertiliser supply chains had been disrupted by conflicts in key producing regions and by trade measures introduced by major exporting countries.
“Global supply chains for phosphate fertiliser and fertiliser inputs, including imports of such products into the United States, have been disrupted in recent months by, among other things, conflicts in fertiliser-producing regions as well as trade actions taken by major fertiliser-producing countries,” he said.
Trump said U.S. production of phosphate fertiliser is not enough to meet the country's agricultural needs once exports are taken into account.
He said the administration is working with private companies to expand domestic fertiliser manufacturing, but warned those efforts would take time to have a meaningful impact.
In the meantime, he said Morocco is well placed to help fill the gap.
The president added that Moroccan producers can continue supplying phosphate fertiliser to the United States without disruption.
The emergency declaration allows the temporary suspension of certain anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertiliser imported from Morocco.
The measure will remain in force for eight months unless the emergency is lifted earlier.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett had previously said the administration was looking for additional fertiliser suppliers to strengthen U.S. food production.
The decision comes after fighting involving Iran, Israel and the United States severely disrupted global fertiliser markets.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced supplies from major fertiliser producers in the Middle East, raising concerns over shortages and higher costs.
Analysts have warned the disruption could threaten food security, particularly in developing countries, as much of the world's fertiliser is produced in the region.
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