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Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # U.S. Department of Commerce opens duty-free window for Moroccan phosphate imports amid domestic supply concerns Publication Date: 2026-07-10T16:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-07-10T05:40:13-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/), [Phosphate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/phosphate/), [Sanctions & Export Controls](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/sanctions-export-controls/) ![Loading phosphate fertilizers in the port of Gdansk, Poland.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/loading-phosphate-fertilizers-in-the-port-of-gdansk-poland-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) An eight-month exemption permits Moroccan phosphate fertilizer to enter the U.S. without countervailing duties, as officials work to secure supplies for farmers during the growing season. The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened an eight-month period during which Moroccan phosphate fertilizer may enter the United States without countervailing duties, following the emergency declaration issued on June 29 to strengthen fertilizer supplies for American farmers. The measure took effect on July 8 with its publication in the *Federal Register*. According to the notice, exporters and importers may request duty-free treatment for Moroccan phosphate fertilizer shipments covered by the current countervailing duty order under Section 318(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930. Commerce stated the exemption is necessary “to ensure that United States farmers have a sufficient and timely supply of fertilizers during the planting and growing season,” and noted that Moroccan producers, led by OCP Group, can meet U.S. demand. Approved shipments must enter the U.S. within 60 days of authorization or will again be subject to standard countervailing duties. This decision temporarily reopens the U.S. market to Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports, which have been restricted since the 2021 countervailing duty order prompted by a petition from Mosaic. The exemption follows reduced domestic phosphate availability, following Mosaic's announcement of further production curtailments at facilities in Florida, Louisiana, and Brazil due to sulfur supply disruptions related to tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. StoneX Vice President of Fertilizers Josh Linville expressed “mixed feelings” about the suspension, noting it may ease short-term supply constraints for U.S. buyers but could introduce new competitive challenges for domestic producers. Source: [Federal Register](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/08/2026-13796/countervailing-duty-order-of-phosphate-fertilizers-from-the-kingdom-of-morocco-temporary-duty-free-importation) --- ## What you need to know about Morocco's duty-free phosphate window ### What did Commerce actually announce?+ Commerce implemented a presidential emergency declaration allowing Moroccan phosphate fertilizer to be imported into the U.S. free of countervailing duties for an eight-month period, effective July 8. ### Why was the countervailing duty order in place to begin with?+ Commerce imposed countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer in 2021 after Mosaic alleged that Moroccan government subsidies to producers, chiefly OCP Group, materially injured the U.S. industry. ### Why is the exemption happening now?+ Domestic phosphate supply has tightened sharply as Mosaic and other producers curtail output amid a Gulf sulfur shortage linked to the Strait of Hormuz conflict, prompting the administration to secure alternative import supply for farmers. ### How do importers request duty-free entry?+ Exporters and importers must file a written request through Commerce's ACCESS electronic filing system, and approved shipments must enter the U.S. within 60 days or become subject to standard duties. ### How has the industry reacted?+ StoneX fertilizer vice president Josh Linville said he had mixed feelings about the suspension, acknowledging it could ease near-term supply pressure while complicating the competitive picture for domestic producers. Tags: [Commerce Department](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/commerce-department/), [countervailing duties](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/countervailing-duties/), [Morocco](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/morocco/), [phosphate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/phosphate/), [Phosphate fertilizer](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/phosphate-fertilizer/), [tariffs](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/tariffs/), [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-states/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. 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