"Much Cheaper Than Canada"—Trump Moves to Import Fertilizer from Russia's Ally, the Republic of Belarus

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to pursue a deal to purchase large quantities of agricultural fertilizer from the pro-Russian Republic of Belarus instead of Canada, with which Washington is engaged in a trade war. The move is seen as a multifaceted strategy to lower import costs, shore up support among farmers—a key constituency—ahead of the midterm elections, and pressure Canada, even if it means joining hands with an authoritarian state under Western sanctions.
On the 21st (local time), President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social that "the United States is pursuing a major contract to purchase potash (potassium fertilizer) from the Republic of Belarus."
He claimed, "The purchase price will be much lower than what we currently pay Canada," adding, "This is very good news for our farmers and ranchers." Potash is essential for increasing crop yields by improving plants' resistance to pests and disease and enhancing quality. Until now, the United States has relied on imports from neighboring Canada for most of this fertilizer.
In the United States, the announcement is being interpreted as both a strong warning to Canada, with which recent trade tensions have intensified, and a political gambit aimed at winning support from farmers struggling with soaring agricultural costs ahead of the midterm elections.
However, the decision to identify the Republic of Belarus as an alternative supplier is also expected to spark diplomatic controversy, given that the country faces heavy Western sanctions for suppressing dissidents and actively supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Known as "Europe's last dictator," Alexander Lukashenko, president of the Republic of Belarus, has been in power since first taking office in 1994 and secured a seventh term in last year's presidential election, extending his tenure through 2030. Nevertheless, the Trump administration has recently sought active dialogue with the Republic of Belarus, signaling closer ties.
Earlier, on the 15th, Trump envoy John Cole visited the Republic of Belarus and met with President Lukashenko. Cole reportedly conveyed the U.S. government's intention to request the unfreezing of Belarusian funds held in U.S. banks. The Belarusian side currently claims that approximately $43 million (about 59 billion won) is frozen at Citibank.
[email protected] Jihyun Park Reporter