Trump seeks ‘massive’ Belarus fertiliser deal amid Canada trade war
Trump’s announcement on Russia ally comes as he steps up his trade war with Canada, a long-term US ally and top supplier of potash
TL;DR
- President Trump is negotiating a large deal to buy potash from Belarus.
- This potential deal aims to reduce costs for US farmers and ranchers compared to current prices from Canada.
- The announcement coincides with an increased trade conflict between the US and Canada, its main potash supplier.
- The US imports most of its potash, with prices rising significantly after the 2022 Ukraine conflict.
- In 2024, Canada supplied 79% of US potash imports, followed by Russia (11%) and Belarus (4%).
- The US has recently eased some sanctions on Belarusian companies.
- Belarus has freed 25 political prisoners, but hundreds remain imprisoned.
- Western nations imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2022 due to its role in the Ukraine invasion.
- Belarus's exiled opposition leader warned against trading with the regime.