NAWG urges removal of duties to ease rising costs for wheat growers
The National Association of Wheat Growers has called for the removal of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. The organization believes these duties are increasing costs for U.S. wheat farmers and adding pressure to an already difficult economic situation.
In a formal request to the United States International Trade Commission, NAWG explained that fertilizer is a necessary input for wheat production. High prices are making it harder for farmers to manage their expenses and remain competitive in global markets.
“Phosphate fertilizer is a critical and necessary component in growing wheat, and the current countervailing duties have placed an unsustainable financial burden on America’s farmers who raise wheat,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “Revoking these orders would provide immediate and meaningful relief to growers and strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that fertilizer makes up about 38% of total wheat production costs. This makes it one of the largest expenses for growers.
Research from Texas A&M University estimates that these duties increased fertilizer costs by $6.9 billion between 2021 and 2025. Wheat farmers alone are believed to have faced nearly $1 billion in additional costs during this period.
NAWG also pointed out that the United States depends on imports to meet its phosphate fertilizer needs. Domestic production falls short by about 3 million metric tons each year. Reduced imports due to these duties have tightened supply and pushed prices higher.
The group stressed that farmers are already dealing with several challenges, including global conflicts and rising shipping costs. Removing the duties is seen as a practical step that policymakers can take to reduce financial pressure on farmers and support agricultural productivity.
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