The United States has maintained a 20.04% countervailable subsidy rate for Moroccan phosphate fertilizers following a review by the US Department of Commerce.
In a notice published in the Federal Register on November 3, the department said that removing the existing countervailing duty order would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of subsidies. The finding covers OCP S.A. and all other Moroccan producers and exporters, with a rate of 20.04% for both.
The review forms part of a five-year assessment of the countervailing duty order first imposed on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers in April 2021. The department began the review in March 2026 and issued preliminary results in July.
Temporary US duty relief remains relevant
The latest decision comes after a separate move by the US administration in June. President Donald Trump declared an emergency over fertilizer supplies and authorized temporary duty-free imports of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco.
Under the June 29 proclamation, the relief can last for up to eight months or until the emergency ends, whichever comes first. Importers and exporters must also meet the requirements set by the US Department of Commerce.
This means the 20.04% figure should not be read as a new charge automatically applied to every shipment at present. The November decision records the subsidy rate that Commerce believes would likely continue if the existing order were revoked. It does not, by itself, end the temporary import relief.
A key review for OCP and the fertilizer trade
The US review involves OCP, the Moroccan government and US fertilizer companies, including Mosaic and J.R. Simplot. Their submissions formed part of the department’s assessment.
The countervailing duty order dates back to 2021. The latest findings keep the issue in the spotlight as both countries seek to balance trade measures with the need to secure fertilizer supplies for American farmers.
