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DOJ, FTC Fertilizer Probe Expands To Examine Exports as Trump Eases Phosphate Import Restrictions

By  |  July 1, 2026
DOJ, FTC Fertilizer Probe Expands To Examine Exports as Trump Eases Phosphate Import Restrictions

The U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission are examining fertilizer exports as part of their expanding antitrust investigations into the fertilizer industry, adding a new dimension to probes already focused on pricing and market concentration.

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    According to MLex, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said federal investigators are looking at fertilizer exports as part of the ongoing DOJ and FTC investigations. The report suggests regulators are evaluating whether export activity may have affected domestic fertilizer availability and prices, although neither agency has publicly detailed the scope of its inquiries.

    The export focus comes as the Trump administration has taken separate action aimed at increasing fertilizer supplies available to U.S. farmers.

    On June 29, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, primarily from Morocco. USDA said the measure is intended to increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition and reduce fertilizer prices by an estimated 22%, potentially saving U.S. farmers about $1.82 billion annually.

    The administration also noted that domestic phosphate production is currently insufficient to meet U.S. agricultural demand after accounting for exports, making additional imports necessary while domestic manufacturing capacity expands.

    That policy announcement adds context to the reported antitrust investigation. While exporting fertilizer is a routine commercial practice and is not unlawful, exports could become relevant if investigators are assessing whether production, distribution or supply decisions contributed to elevated domestic prices or reduced fertilizer availability.

    Read more: Fertilizer Pricing Dispute Draws Attention to Agricultural Market Concentration

    The DOJ’s investigation, first reported earlier this year, is examining whether major fertilizer producers engaged in anticompetitive conduct in the highly concentrated fertilizer market. Public reports have identified companies including Nutrien, Mosaic, CF Industries, Koch Industries’ fertilizer business and Yara International as being under scrutiny, although no company has been accused of wrongdoing and no enforcement action has been announced.

    Separately, the FTC has launched its own industry-wide investigation into fertilizer pricing, gathering information from producers, retailers and farmers regarding rising input costs.

    The simultaneous focus on exports and imports underscores a broader government effort to address fertilizer affordability. On one hand, regulators are reportedly examining whether exports affected domestic supply, while on the other, the administration is encouraging additional imports by temporarily removing trade barriers on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer.

    Farm groups have broadly welcomed the tariff suspension, arguing that duties imposed in 2021 significantly increased fertilizer costs. According to USDA, increasing import availability is expected to provide immediate relief while longer-term investments in domestic fertilizer production continue.

    Source: MLex