What prompted the FTC to launch its investigation into fertilizer prices, and what specific market disruption is cited as a key cause?

The FTC launched its investigation due to the 'precipitous rise of fertilizer prices' that has 'affected so many of our nation's farmers', with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran identified as the triggering event; the conflict led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, blocking shipping routes critical to global fertilizer trade and causing urea prices to surge 55% and another nitrogen-based fertilizer to rise 33%.

How are rising fertilizer prices directly impacting U.S. farmers according to the news, and what evidence supports this claim?

Rising fertilizer prices are pinching farmers as they plant corn and other crops while also coping with a resurgent drought in the U.S. Plains, contributing to some growers facing a fourth straight year of shrinking margins; the American Farm Bureau Federation’s recent survey found that most farmers could not afford all the fertilizer they need for the current growing season, and FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated USDA data shows fertilizer has been 'the single largest increase in input costs of farmers across the United States since 2020'.

US Federal Trade Commission Probes Rising Fertilizer Prices

May 28, 2026

The US FTC launched an investigation into soaring fertilizer prices linked to Middle East conflicts, targeting major producers like CF Industries. The probe addresses cost spikes severely impacting US farmers and agricultural margins.

reuters

2026-05-28

FTC Chairman Ferguson Says Agency Probing Fertilizer Industry

2026-05-28

US Federal Trade Commission Probes Rising Fertilizer Prices

US Federal Trade Commission Probes Rising Fertilizer Prices

FAQ