NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The fertilizer market saw a meaningful shift this week after the Trump Administration confirmed that major fertilizers will be exempt from tariff rates — a development that immediately pressured urea values and opened the door for more normal trade flows.
According to Josh Linville of StoneX, NOLA urea dropped 6–8% on the announcement, easing one of the most significant pain points heading into spring. Some key suppliers had been facing tariffs of 30% or more, and removing those hurdles allows the U.S. to resume sourcing urea more efficiently. Linville cautions, however, that this is not a “silver bullet,” as urea still needs to trade at a level that discourages imports without incentivizing exports.
Other nitrogen markets reacted more quietly. UAN prices were steady due to limited activity and ongoing tight supply-and-demand fundamentals, and NH3 showed little movement given that the U.S. manufactures most of its own ammonia.
Phosphate saw the next-largest benefit: removing tariffs should reopen flows from Saudi Arabia, offering relief for spring, even as Russia, Morocco, and China still face other economic hurdles. Potash, sourced mainly from Canada, remains largely unaffected.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub joins us to dive into H-2A visa program changes and what can be done to ease the pressure on producers.
October 09, 2025 12:11 PM
·
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.
October 08, 2025 03:03 PM
·
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
October 08, 2025 12:47 PM
·
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
October 08, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
October 08, 2025 11:19 AM
·
Plan for a cooler global trade market in 2026 with tighter margins on exports, potential rate shifts, and premiums for reliable deliveries into Asian and African growth markets.
October 07, 2025 03:24 PM
·
