The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), along with 62 other agricultural groups, including state corn grower organizations, sent a letter on Oct. 19 to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo calling on her to consider the current difficulties faced by farmers as she recalculates duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco.
The letter comes after the US Court of International Trade ordered the agency to reconsider its previous decision on calculating the duties (GM Sept. 22, p. 1).
“High costs and limited availability of fertilizer continue to strain family farms across the United States,” the letter said. “[We] urge you to consider the impact of phosphate duties as the Department of Commerce works to reconsider its duty rate calculation.”
“Duties levied on phosphate imports, combined with these other factors, have led to substantial price volatility over the past three years as evident by phosphate price increases of over 230% from 2020 to 2022,” according to the letter signatories. “During 2022, farmers spent $36.9 billion on fertilizer and lime, compared to $24.4 billion in 2020.”
“American agriculture must have market access to compete globally, and a major impediment like a fertilizer duty only undermines the ability to establish and expand markets,” the letter noted.
Absent delays, Commerce is expected to finalize its administrative review by Nov. 1, and issue its remand determination by Dec. 13.