The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the final results of the first annual administrative reviews of the countervailing duty orders (CVD) on phosphate fertilizers from Russia and Morocco. DOC increased the CVD rate for Russian producer PhosAgro from 9.19% to 28.50% and decreased the CVD rate for Moroccan producer OCP from 19.97% to 2.12%.
“We are disappointed by the ruling on Moroccan imports to the US and we are considering our next steps,” said Mosaic CEO Joc O’Rourke. “We at Mosaic expect and welcome fair competition all around the world, and we are confident that Mosaic can compete on a level playing field. We will continue to seek remedies when we see unfair practices.”
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which has been a vocal opponent of the duties, quickly applauded the decision, calling the decision on Morocco a big win for corn growers.
“This victory was made possible by corn growers across the country who spoke out against these duties as they faced skyrocketing fertilizer prices and product shortages at the behest of The Mosaic Co.,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “While the best duty on fertilizers is no duty at all, we are nonetheless thrilled that corn growers bearing the brunt of these tariffs will feel financial relief thanks to this decision.”
In a separate matter that has been working its way through the legal system, in September the US Court of International Trade (CIT) sent the phosphate trade cases back to the US International Trade Commission and the DOC for reconsideration (GM Sept. 22, p. 1).