The US is seeking to plug its fertilizers shortage following supply disruptions in the Gulf by increasing imports from Morocco and Venezuella, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said. Additional supplies from Morocco and Venezuela would represent “an insurance policy against disruption” for US farmers, he said. The US–Israel–Iran conflict has sharply disrupted global fertilizer flows, after Iran shut and targeted vessels in he Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–30% of global fertilizer exports and 35% of global urea typically move. This closure has caused fertilizer prices to spike as Gulf producers halt production or lose shipping access, leaving large volumes of ammonia, urea, phosphates, and sulfur stranded in the region. Morocco aims to grow fertilizer output from 12 million to 20 million tonnes by 2027

Source: The North Africa Journal March 17, 2026 17:00 UTC