A proposed U.S. deal to buy potash from Belarus is raising questions about cost, availability and transportation. President Donald Trump said Monday the United States is working on what he called a “massive deal” to buy Belarusian potash at prices below what the U.S. currently pays Canada. Canada supplies about 80 percent of U.S. potash imports.

But Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe questioned whether Belarusian potash could actually be cheaper once transportation is considered.Belarus is landlocked and lost its primary export route through Lithuania, creating additional logistical challenges. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says sales to the United States have resumed following sanctions relief, but he also indicated available supply may be limited. For U.S. farmers, the proposal could provide another potential source of a key fertilizer nutrient.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEA proposed U.S. deal to buy potash from Belarus is raising questions about cost, availability and transportation. President Donald Trump said Monday the United States is working on what he called a “massive deal” to buy Belarusian potash at prices below what the U.S. currently pays Canada. Canada supplies about 80 percent of U.S. potash imports.But Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe questioned whether Belarusian potash could actually be cheaper once transportation is considered.Belarus is landlocked and lost its primary export route through Lithuania, creating additional logistical challenges. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says sales to the United States have resumed following sanctions relief, but he also indicated available supply may be limited. For U.S. farmers, the proposal could provide another potential source of a key fertilizer nutrient.

Belarus potash proposal raises supply questions