Tariff Exemptions Shift Fertilizer Outlook for Producers

Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.

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
Related Stories
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
Higher yields are cushioning lower acreage, but reduced production could support firmer potato prices into 2026.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
Texas A&M 4-H Director Montza Williams joins for an update on the expected timeline for the program’s new facility and all the associated benefits.
From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, students in the National FFA Organization develop skills to help shape future careers.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us to break down the latest data on Canadian farmland values and share insights on how it impacts producers.
Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.