How Global Trade and Policy Shape Fertilizer Supply | Veronica Nigh
July 30, 2026
Fertilizer is one of agriculture’s most important inputs—and one of the most exposed to global trade and conflict-prone regions. In this episode of Smoke & Mirrors, Jennifer Ifft talks with Veronica Nigh of The Fertilizer Institute about how fertilizer moves through global markets and why disruptions matter for U.S. agriculture. The U.S. produces about 65% of the fertilizer it uses, while TFI represents roughly 260 members across the supply chain. They also discuss trade policy, transportation constraints, the sulfur shortage, environmental regulation, current limitations of private and USDA fertilizer-use data, and why expanding domestic production takes years.