Donald Trump seeks Belarus potash deal to replace Canadian fertilizer imports

Proposed agreement with Minsk

Donald Trump announced on Monday via Truth Social that the United States is preparing an agreement to purchase potash from Belarus. Potash is a potassium-rich mineral salt mined primarily to manufacture agricultural fertilizers that boost crop growth and yields. State Geological Survey data indicates the United States relies almost entirely on foreign producers for its potash consumption. Trump stated that Belarusian supplies would offer considerably lower prices than those paid to Canada, presenting the move as a financial benefit for domestic agriculture. The announcement follows years of Western sanctions, as Belarus continues to act as a military partner of Moscow, having hosted Russian troops for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and participated in joint nuclear exercises.

Trump outlined the expected cost reductions on his social media platform.

The price would be substantially lower than what we currently pay to Canada, which is very good news for our farmers and ranchers.

Trade rift between Washington and Ottawa

According to data from the US Geological Survey, Canada supplied 79% of American potash imports in 2024, followed by Russia at 11% and Belarus at 4%. In 2025, Canadian suppliers accounted for approximately 85% of US potash imports, representing an expenditure of roughly 2.9 billion dollars (about 2.5 billion euros) by American agricultural buyers. Because of its direct impact on food production, Washington had previously exempted Canadian potash from tariffs.

Tensions between Washington and Ottawa escalated in August after trade negotiations collapsed, during which Canadian officials accused the United States of attempting to undermine Canadian sovereignty. Washington subsequently imposed 50% tariffs on approximately 20 billion dollars of Canadian goods, prompting Ottawa to enforce reciprocal customs duties on American products. Canada also initiated closer ties with Brussels by proposing to become the first associate member of the European Union. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Nutrien, the largest potash producer in the world, declined to provide immediate comment on Trump's statement.

Diplomatic thaw and sanctions relief

The fertilizer initiative follows months of direct negotiations between Washington and the government of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. In spring 2026, the United States lifted sanctions against several leading Belarusian fertilizer companies following an agreement to release political prisoners. Western nations had originally imposed sanctions on Belarus following the crackdown on mass domestic protests in 2020. The European Union continues to prohibit Belarusian potash imports and maintains frozen assets belonging to state-owned producer Belaruskali.

US envoy John Coale traveled to Minsk to negotiate further diplomatic concessions, securing the release of 25 political prisoners in mid-September. Coale told Reuters that several hundred additional prisoners could be freed within a month, with discussions also exploring a potential official visit by Lukashenko to Washington. Lukashenko stated days earlier that Belarus had already resumed potash shipments to the United States and requested that Washington release more than 40 million dollars in frozen Belarusian funds from American banks. Global potash prices rose by more than 30% this year, remaining elevated after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted fertilizer supply chains.