Illinois Soybean Growers Commends President Trump’s Action to Lower Fertilizer Costs

June 30, 2026 - Bloomington, Ill. - Today, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) commended President Donald J. Trump's proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, calling the action an important step toward lowering input costs and improving fertilizer availability for Illinois farmers.

"Illinois soybean farmers have consistently said that they need access to affordable, reliable fertilizer supplies to remain competitive," said Bryan Severs, Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Growers. "We appreciate President Trump and his Administration for taking decisive action to provide immediate relief while continuing to support long-term investments in domestic fertilizer production. This is a balanced approach that recognizes farmers need both affordable inputs today and a strong American fertilizer industry tomorrow."

According to the Administration, the temporary suspension is expected to reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by approximately 22 percent and save American farmers an estimated $1.82 billion annually, while improving fertilizer availability ahead of upcoming application seasons.

"Fertilizer remains one of the largest expenses on Illinois farms," said Severs. "Reducing unnecessary costs helps farmers remain competitive, strengthens rural economies, and ultimately benefits consumers. We appreciate the Administration's willingness to listen to farmers and act."

Earlier this year, ISG urged action to address the rising cost of phosphate fertilizer and joined a national coalition asking federal officials to remove trade barriers that were increasing production costs for farmers. Today's announcement directly addresses many of the concerns raised by Illinois soybean farmers by temporarily suspending the duties that have restricted fertilizer supplies and contributed to higher prices. In an earlier statement to the media, ISG highlighted research estimating that countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer had added billions of dollars in fertilizer costs for U.S. agriculture and urged federal policymakers to increase competition and improve fertilizer availability. The Administration's proclamation fulfills those objectives by temporarily allowing additional phosphate fertilizer supplies to enter the U.S. market during a period of global supply disruption while broader efforts continue to expand domestic production capacity.

Read ISG's March 2026 statement: ISG Statement on Increasing Cost of Fertilizer | Illinois Soybean Association

Illinois Soybean Growers will continue working with the Trump Administration, Congress, and agricultural partners to promote policies that improve market competition, strengthen domestic fertilizer production, and ensure farmers have access to the affordable crop inputs needed to produce a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply.

Learn more by watching the ISG webinar, "How Trade Countervailing Duties Impact Soybean Farmers:" How Trade Countervailing Duties Impact Soybean Farmers | Illinois Soybean Association

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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
[email protected]