U.S. opens probe of phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, Russia

Moroccan phosphate fertilizer. /OCP-Group

The U.S. Commerce Department has opened an investigation into whether producers of phosphate fertilizers in Morocco and Russia are receiving unfair subsidies.

Last year, imports of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco were valued at about $729 million and from Russia at about $299 million, the department said in a statement.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will conduct its own investigation into whether American industry is being harmed by the fertilizer imports. The ITC will make its preliminary findings by Aug. 10, the department said on Friday.

If the ITC issues a preliminary finding that the imports are hurting U.S. industry, then the Commerce Department's investigations will continue.

The department said its initial findings are scheduled for Sept. 21.

(With input from the agencies)