Illinois Soybean Growers Statement on Increasing Cost of Fertilizer

Bloomington, Ill. - March 13, 2026 - U.S. farmers continue to face market uncertainty and rising input costs which are being worsened by phosphate duties incurred through antidumping and countervailing investigations.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, "Antidumping and countervailing duties are intended to offset the value of dumping and/or subsidization, thereby leveling the playing field for domestic industries injured by such unfairly traded imports."

But in a recently published research report, the Texas A&M University Agricultural and Food Policy Center found that the U.S. Countervailing Duty (CVD) on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers imports increased the cost of phosphorus fertilizers for U.S. producers by an estimated $6.9 billion between 2021 and 2025.

In response, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) signed onto a letter developed by the National Corn Growers Association urging fertilizer manufacturers to renounce their support for continued CVDs.

"Addressing this issue has the potential to open up the phosphate market and drive down fertilizer costs," said Bryan Severs, ISG Chairman and American Soybean Association Board Director. "Lowering fertilizer costs would provide much-needed relief for farmers already navigating tight margins and ongoing market volatility."

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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]