Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
- Committees
- Finance Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to reduce costs for American farmers by eliminating import duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and refunding previously collected duties.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the imposition of any duty on the importation of phosphate fertilizers from the Kingdom of Morocco under sections 122 or 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. It also explicitly revokes existing countervailing duty orders issued on April 7, 2021, with respect to phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco, and mandates refunds for cash deposits paid under those orders.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will directly lower input costs for American farmers, increasing their profitability and competitiveness by ensuring access to essential fertilizers at more affordable prices. They contend that existing duties have artificially inflated costs, placing an undue burden on the agricultural sector.
Opponents contend
Opponents, likely domestic fertilizer producers, would argue that removing these duties undermines fair trade practices, disadvantages U.S. industries, and could lead to job losses or reduced investment in domestic production, making the U.S. more reliant on foreign sources that may benefit from unfair subsidies.
The bill is exceptionally short and uses clear language, making it highly accessible for a quick read and easy understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2
Prohibiting Duties on Moroccan Phosphate Fertilizers
This section mandates that no import duties can be applied to phosphate fertilizers (specifically those classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule headings 3103 or 3105) coming from the Kingdom of Morocco. This prohibition applies to duties imposed under sections 122 or 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and takes effect 7 days after the bill's enactment. This directly removes a significant cost component for importers of Moroccan phosphate.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses high fertilizer costs for American farmers, improving their profitability and competitiveness by ensuring access to a vital input at lower prices, which ultimately benefits consumers through more affordable food.
Critics contend
Opponents, particularly domestic fertilizer manufacturers, would contend that this provision unfairly disadvantages U.S. producers by removing protections against subsidized foreign goods, potentially leading to job losses, reduced investment in domestic capacity, and increased reliance on foreign suppliers.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the immediate benefit of lower input costs for farmers against the potential harm to domestic fertilizer producers and the broader goal of protecting U.S. industries from what were previously determined to be unfair trade practices.
Section 3
Revocation of Countervailing Duties on Moroccan Phosphate Fertilizers
This section explicitly revokes the countervailing duty orders issued on April 7, 2021, concerning phosphate fertilizers imported from the Kingdom of Morocco. This revocation takes effect 4 business days after the bill's enactment. It further directs the Secretary of Commerce to ensure no new duties or cash deposits are collected and mandates U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund any cash deposits paid by importers, with an exception for duties assessed from administrative reviews completed before the effective date. Refunds must be processed within 90 days of enactment.