U.S. fertilizer industry calls for tariff exemption on Canadian potash

WATCH: An American fertilizer industry group is asking the Trump administration not to tariff Canadian potash, with spring growing season approaching.

An organization that advocates for the American fertilizer industry is calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to exempt Canadian fertilizer products from tariffs.

A 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods imported to the U.S. was scheduled to come into effect on Tuesday but has since been paused for 30 days.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) says the pause is welcome news because an open market is “integral” to the success of the U.S. agriculture industry.

Prior to the tariffs being paused, the Fertilizer Institute urged Trump to spare Canadian potash and other fertilizers from the tax, especially with spring planting around the corner.

“As we approach the critical time of spring planting where nutrient delivery and application are essential for the harvests that fill Americans’ dinner tables,” TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch said in a statement on Sunday.

Rosenbusch said any disruption to the cross-border fertilizer trade between the U.S. and Canada would have negative effects on American farmers, the food supply chain, and grocery prices.

He notes the U.S. relies on imports for over 95 per cent of its potash fertilizer needs, with nearly 90 per cent of that coming from Canada.

Nutrien President and CEO Ken Seitz agrees the tariffs will pose a challenge for producers south of the border.

“Over time, we expect this will be a bit of a challenge for the U.S. farmer, as U.S. farmers may have to bear the brunt of increasing costs associated with tariffs,” Seitz told reporters on Monday.

Seitz said Nutrien will be “watching tariffs very closely” and carrying on with business.