Could President Trump Be the Reason America Starts Mining Its Own Potash?
Can America Break Free from Foreign Potash? A Look at the Latest Push for Domestic Mining
Editorial Team (ET)May 8, 2025
The United States is one of the largest consumers of potash in the world, yet it produces almost none of it. A staggering 98% of the potash used in American agriculture and industry is imported, with Canada supplying the bulk of it. Other key suppliers include Belarus, China, and Russia—countries that control over half of the global potash market. But with geopolitical instability and trade disruptions shaking the industry, the pressure to secure a domestic supply has never been greater.
On March 20, President Trump took a significant step toward reversing this dependency. By signing an executive order titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” he placed potash back on the Critical Minerals list—a move welcomed by U.S. agricultural and industrial stakeholders. This decision signals a renewed focus on revitalizing domestic production, but the road ahead is far from simple.
The Battle Over Regulatory Barriers
Despite the presence of untapped potash reserves within the United States, mining operations have been stymied by regulatory red tape. According to The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the U.S. accounts for only 0.2% of global potash supply—not due to a lack of resources, but because of permitting delays and uncertain regulatory frameworks.
Corey Rosenbusch, President of TFI, emphasized that restoring potash to the Critical Minerals list was long overdue. He noted that the mineral’s exclusion in 2022 was a mistake that many industry leaders had fought to correct. Stable and affordable access to fertilizers, he stressed, is crucial to maintaining America’s agricultural competitiveness and ensuring food security.
Michigan Potash and the Promise of Domestic Production
Following the executive order, Michigan Potash Chief Development Officer Cory Christofferson voiced strong support for the initiative. His company’s project in Evart, Michigan, is poised to become a key player in domestic potash production. The facility is expected to yield 800,000 tons of potash annually, along with 1 million tons of food-grade salt. Future expansion plans could push production to over 4 million tons per year, making it one of the largest potash mining operations in the country.
Christofferson highlighted the strategic advantage of Michigan’s potash reserves, which are located near major agricultural demand centers. By reducing America’s reliance on foreign suppliers, the project aims to strengthen the nation’s food supply chain, create jobs, and enhance economic stability. He also stressed the importance of continued federal and state support to streamline permitting and regulatory processes for critical mineral projects like his.
Can the U.S. Break Its Reliance on Foreign Potash?
The push to mine more of its own potash comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. agriculture sector. The industry is already facing rising fertilizer costs due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, and international sanctions. As global competition for resources intensifies, securing a domestic source of potash could be a game-changer.
However, the road to self-sufficiency will require more than just policy changes. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development will be critical to scaling up domestic production. Additionally, navigating the complex landscape of environmental regulations and community opposition will be essential for any large-scale mining project to move forward.
The inclusion of potash in the Critical Minerals list is a decisive move, but it is only the beginning. If the U.S. truly wants to control its own supply chain and reduce dependence on foreign sources, it must act swiftly to clear the regulatory hurdles that have long stalled domestic mining efforts.
Conclusion
The President’s executive order represents a crucial shift in U.S. mineral policy, but its success will depend on whether America can translate policy into action. With a renewed focus on potash production, companies like Michigan Potash are ready to lead the charge. The question remains: Will the U.S. seize this opportunity to mine more of its own potash, or will regulatory roadblocks keep it dependent on foreign suppliers?
