Phosphate, Potash now critical minerals

Agricultural groups are praising the Trump administration for including potash and phosphate on the final 2025 List of Critical Minerals released by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Critical Minerals list began because the country is heavily reliant on imports of certain minerals, some of which are "at risk of serious, sustained, and long-term supply chain disruptions."

The inclusion of phosphate and potash on the list signals a heightened government policy around the production and supply chains for both fertilizers. That can include helping companies secure mining permits or other federal support to increase domestic production. The list also plays a role in trade policy, such as whether imports should face a duty or exports should be restricted.

Potash was originally on the list in 2018 but was removed in 2022. Phosphate was also added this year after an aggressive push by agricultural groups and lawmakers.

"Getting phosphate and potash back on the list is something the industry has been working on since they were oddly left off in 2022," said Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute (TFI). "A high priority for TFI has been educating congressional offices, policymakers, media and the public about how closely phosphate and potash are tied to abundant and nutritious food. These are two minerals where stable supplies are absolutely necessary to fill our plates and feed our communities."

Looking at phosphate and potash prices, MAP (52% phosphate) and DAP (46% phosphate) are both priced significantly higher than a year ago, according to the DTN Fertilizer Index. MAP is $121 a ton higher than a year ago, while DAP is $188 higher. Potash is $41 a ton higher than last year.

"By being designated as a critical mineral, producers can access potash and phosphate reserves more quickly, thanks to streamlined permitting and reduced time and resource requirements for bringing new domestic supply online," said Chris Glen, a spokesperson for TFI. "This translates into a more reliable and timely fertilizer supply for farmers."

Also, the designation of a critical mineral helps reduce U.S. reliance on countries such as China and Russia, which are the dominant global exporters of phosphate and potash, TFI stated. Currently, China and Russia control 53% of global phosphate production, with Morocco contributing another 13%. That kind of concentration leaves the global market vulnerable to deliberate supply manipulation or unexpected disruptions.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association, also thanked the administration for taking a step to help address rising production costs.

"As we look toward the next planting season, soybean farmers are concerned about the increasing cost of farming inputs, including fertilizer," Ragland said. "By recognizing phosphate and potash as critical minerals, the U.S. Geological Survey has underscored the importance of a reliable domestic fertilizer supply. While more work remains to strengthen supply chains and reduce costs for farmers, today's announcement is a meaningful step toward greater stability and security for U.S. agriculture."

Initially, phosphate was not among the minerals on a draft list back in August. In a letter, 19 senators and 49 House members asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to include phosphate. They argued that doing so would help spur more domestic production and improve supply chains.

The USGS notice in the Federal Register stated USDA recommended the inclusion of phosphate, "citing its importance to food security."

Other minerals added to the list included silicon, copper, silver, rhenium and lead. Arsenic, boron, tellurium, metallurgical coal, and uranium were also added to the 2025 list, the USGS stated. All told, 60 minerals are on the list.

The Federal Register will publish the final 2025 List of Critical Minerals on Friday.