President Trump announces plans to source potash from Belarus

On September 21, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that his administration is working on a major agreement to purchase potash from Belarus. Trump stated that the deal would secure the mineral at a price significantly lower than what the United States currently pays to Canada, framing the move as a major benefit for American farmers and livestock producers.

Potash, a vital chemical salt used in fertilizers to improve crop yields and plant health, is primarily imported by the United States. Canada has historically served as the main supplier, accounting for 79% of U.S. imports in 2024. This development occurs amid an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada, following a period of significant price increases for the mineral that began after the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

While the announcement highlights a shift in procurement strategy, the administration has not yet provided a timeline for when the agreement will be finalized or the specific quantities involved. Analysts note that such a deal would involve a notable pivot toward Belarus, a country currently recognized as Russia’s closest ally, amidst existing geopolitical tensions.