North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Thom Tillis, along with his colleagues in the Senate and House, has recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, advocating for a change in how countervailing duties (CVD) on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco are calculated.

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has remanded the calculation of subsidies on phosphate fertilizers back to the Department of Commerce, which in turn impacts the duties imposed on these fertilizers. In their letter, Senator Tillis and the group express concern over the financial burden these duties are placing on farmers.

"We ask that Commerce carefully consider and follow the CIT's decision in Commerce's recalculation of the subsidy amount, both in its final determination in the investigation and its administrative review. Reducing the subsidy rate would provide welcomed relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers, American family farms," the members wrote.

The group emphasizes the importance of having a reliable and diverse supply of agricultural inputs for American family farmers, including fertilizers. They believe that the administrative review and the response to the CIT remand present opportunities to address this situation and properly consider the facts regarding the amount of subsidies in this proceeding since its inception.

The full letter can be found [here](link to the letter).

This effort by Senator Tillis and his colleagues aims to lower costs for North Carolina farmers by advocating for a reduction in countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. By carefully considering the remanded calculation of subsidies, the hope is to provide much-needed relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers.

The issue of high costs for agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, is of great concern to American family farms. These farms rely on a steady and affordable supply of fertilizers to ensure the success of their operations. By addressing the subsidy amount and reducing the burden of countervailing duties, Senator Tillis and the group hope to alleviate the financial strain on farmers.

It is crucial for the U.S. Department of Commerce to carefully consider the facts and follow the decision of the U.S. Court of International Trade. By doing so, they can make an informed determination in the investigation and the subsequent administrative review.

Lowering the subsidy rate on phosphate fertilizers would not only benefit North Carolina farmers but also contribute to the overall stability and growth of the agricultural industry in the United States. The availability of affordable agricultural inputs is essential for the success and competitiveness of American family farmers.

In their letter, Senator Tillis and his colleagues highlight the importance of addressing the situation and properly considering the facts surrounding the subsidies in this proceeding. By doing so, they aim to provide relief to American family farms and ensure a reliable supply of fertilizers for farmers across the country.

The efforts of Senator Tillis and his colleagues to lower costs for North Carolina farmers demonstrate their commitment to supporting the agricultural industry and the livelihoods of farmers. By advocating for a change in the calculation of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers, they are working towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for American family farms.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/10/tillis-fights-to-lower-costs-for-north-carolina-farmers