Trump Touts Belarus Potash Deal as Belarus Says It Has None to Sell
The U.S. president announced a "massive" potash agreement with Belarus, but Belarus's leader said the country has no spare supply, raising doubts about whether the deal can deliver cheaper fertilizer for American farmers.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "massive" potash deal with Belarus on Thursday, calling it a win for American farmers [247296]. But on the same day, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenka said his country has no spare potash to sell, stating that every ton is already promised to other buyers [247296]. The contradiction raises questions about whether the deal can deliver the cheaper fertilizer Trump promised [247296].
The announcement comes as the United States seeks alternative potash imports from Belarus to reduce its dependence on Canadian supply [250555]. Canada, mainly Saskatchewan, holds vast potash reserves, and potash is a key fertilizer ingredient that U.S. farmers rely on heavily [250555]. Belarus is a close ally of Russia, and turning to it may be easier said than done, exposing a critical vulnerability in American agriculture [250555].
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has urged the United States to stop buying potash from Belarus, calling the product "blood potash" [246802]. Moe says the U.S. should buy from reliable allies like Canada instead [246802]. Belarus's potash industry is state-owned and has been accused of using forced labor [246802]. Moe argues that money spent on Belarusian potash supports a regime that opposes Western interests [246802]. Saskatchewan is the world's largest producer of potash, and the province says it can fill any supply gap for the U.S. market [246802].