US preparing 'massive' potash deal with Belarus, Trump says

The U.S. is in the process of securing a significant deal to import potash from Belarus, according to President Donald Trump. In a statement on September 21, Trump touted the agreement as more advantageous than sourcing the fertilizer from Canada. The administration's significant move comes as tensions between the two nations have eased, with the U.S. scaling down sanctions against Belarus.

This development followed the release of over 100 political prisoners, including high-profile opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Viktor Babaryka. In March 2026, U.S. envoy John Coale hinted at a broader agreement with Minsk that could entail sanctions relief and the restoration of diplomatic ties. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly described the U.S. proposal as a "big deal."

Potash constitutes a major portion of Belarus's exports, making the country a key player in the global mineral resources market. Reports surfaced in spring 2026 indicating that the U.S. was also seeking transit rights for Belarusian fertilizers through Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. As the only landlocked nation sandwiched between Ukraine, Russia, and NATO's eastern members, Belarus has been a staunch supporter of Russia during the ongoing war, providing a strategic base for Russian operations in Ukraine in 2022.

Canada holds the title of the world's leading potash exporter, with its exports accounting for more than 39% of global trade as of 2024. More than half of this trade is directed towards U.S. markets. Trump's recent return to office has strained U.S.-Canadian economic relations, with the administration imposing 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney reciprocated by implementing matching tariffs on U.S. goods.