Business & Finance

Trump pursues Belarus fertilizer deal seeking lower prices than Canadian imports

The proposal follows recent sanctions relief but faces supply constraints and routing concerns through Russia.

Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 10:14 UTC2 reports

The short version

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is pursuing a massive potash fertilizer deal with Belarus to lower costs relative to Canadian supplies.[The Guardian]
The effort coincides with a trade conflict with Canada, which provided 79% of U.S. potash imports in 2024.[The Guardian]
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe noted shipping would likely route through Russia, while Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko indicated current output is mostly contracted.[Business Insider]

President Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. is working on a deal to purchase Belarusian potash at lower prices than current Canadian imports.[The Guardian · Business Insider]
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 79% of U.S. potash imports came from Canada, 11% from Russia, and 4% from Belarus in 2024.[The Guardian]
Belarus recently freed 25 political prisoners as the U.S. lifted sanctions on two Belarusian companies.[The Guardian]
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned that trade deals with the Lukashenko regime are risky and fund repression.[The Guardian]

It is uncertain whether Belarus has available potash capacity, as Alexander Lukashenko noted that this year's output is already under contract.[Business Insider]
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe questioned whether Belarusian potash would actually prove cheaper after factoring in transportation through Russia.[Business Insider]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.