# US potash supply diversification efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-potash-supply-diversification-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-14T15:56:47.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

The United States is pursuing ways to diversify its potash supply to reduce reliance on Canada, which provides between 80% and 90% of American imports. This effort follows heightened trade tensions where the U.S. applied 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion of Canadian goods, prompting reciprocal duties from Ottawa.

Following a decision in March to lift sanctions on major Belarusian potash producers, the U.S. is preparing to receive its first shipment of Belarusian potash in four years. A 30,000-tonne shipment is expected to arrive at the Port of New Orleans. President Donald Trump has indicated that securing these lower-priced supplies is intended to mitigate rising costs for American farmers and ranchers caused by the Iran war and the Canadian trade dispute.

While this shipment is a small fraction of the 5.6 million tonnes of potash imported by the U.S. last year, it signals a potential shift in trade relations with Minsk. The move has raised concerns in Europe; Lithuanian national security advisor Deividas Matulionis noted that while interest in Belarusian fertilizer is “no secret,” Lithuania must adhere to European Union sanctions, particularly as the Port of Klaipėda serves as a primary transit route.

Logistical complexities remain, as routing products through Russia is a factor. Consequently, attention has also turned toward the Banio Potash Project in Gabon, managed by Millennial Potash Corp., which is being positioned as a strategic alternative due to its resources and proximity to Atlantic shipping routes.

## Claims

- US President Donald Trump stated on September 21 that Washington is working on a large agreement for potash supplies from Belarus at lower prices than from Canada. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Donald Trump clarified the following day that the United States intends to continue sourcing potash from Canada. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- US potash (potassium chloride) imports totaled 10.71 million tons in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Canada provided 8.60 million tons, or 80.3%, of US potash imports in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Russia accounted for 0.68 million tons, or 6.4%, of US potash imports in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A delegation from the US Embassy visited the Banio potash project in Gabon. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: United States prepares first Belarusian potash shipment in four years

The US is receiving its first shipment of Belarusian potash in four years as Washington lifts sanctions to secure cheaper fertilizer for farmers amid trade disputes with Canada.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-prepares-first-belarusian-potash-shipment-in-four-years

### 2026-09-25: United States seeks potash import deal with Belarus to reduce Canadian reliance

President Donald Trump is seeking a major potash import deal with Belarus to reduce reliance on Canada and lower costs for U.S. farmers amid ongoing trade disputes with Canada.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-seeks-new-potash-supply-sources-amid-market-shifts

### 2026-09-22: United States explores Belarusian potash deals amid trade tensions with Canada

The U.S. is exploring potash deals with Belarus to lower costs, potentially challenging Canada’s dominant supply role amid trade tensions and interest in new African mining projects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-explores-belarusian-potash-deals-amid-trade-tensions-with-canada

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Cite as: US potash supply diversification efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-potash-supply-diversification-efforts