Trump Tariffs Drive Up Fertilizer Costs, Alarming Farmers

Farmers across the U.S. are facing mounting financial pressures as President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to escalate fertilizer prices, threatening the viability of key crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. The agriculture sector is sounding the alarm, warning that the unpredictable fertilizer market is creating significant challenges for farmers already grappling with low crop prices and trade uncertainties.
Fertilizer costs, which can account for more than 30% of row crop farmers’ input expenses, have reached “disastrous levels,” according to a recent letter from the National Corn Growers Association and 25 state corn grower groups. These groups have urged U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to take action to alleviate the financial burden.
The combination of low corn prices, trade volatility, and consistently high fertilizer costs has created a dire environment for farmers, who are struggling to plan for the upcoming harvest and next growing season. While farm groups have historically been cautious in publicly criticizing Trump’s tariff policies, the severity of the situation has prompted them to quietly lobby Republican lawmakers and administration officials for relief.
The rising costs of fertilizers, exacerbated by tariffs, are raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of U.S. agriculture, with farmers warning that the financial strain could force many to scale back production or exit the industry altogether.

Published: 8/20/2025