Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 21 that the U.S. is working on a major deal to purchase potash from Belarus.
- Trump called the potential deal with Belarus more advantageous for U.S. farmers and ranchers than buying from Canada.
- The Trump administration lifted economic restrictions on Belarusian potash exports in December 2025.
- Over 100 political prisoners were released from Belarus following the sanctions relief.
- Belarus is a key exporter of potash, with its state-owned producer Belaruskali ranking among the world's largest suppliers.
- Canada is the world's leading exporter of potash, accounting for over 39% of global exports as of 2024.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social media platform on September 21, 2026, that the United States is working on a "massive Deal" to purchase potash from Belarus, stating it would be "very good news for our Farmers and Ranchers" and more advantageous than buying from Canada.
The announcement comes amid an apparent improvement in U.S.-Belarusian relations, marked by the easing of sanctions and the release of political prisoners. The Trump administration lifted economic restrictions on Belarusian potash exports in December 2025, which was followed by the release of over 100 political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Viktor Babaryka.
In March 2026, U.S. envoy John Coale suggested that a broader agreement with Minsk could encompass sanctions relief and the restoration of diplomatic ties. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko had previously indicated that the U.S. had proposed a "big deal" with Belarus.
Potash is a significant mineral resource and a key export for Belarus, with its state-owned producer Belaruskali being one of the world's largest suppliers. Earlier in 2026, reports indicated that the U.S. had requested Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine to permit the transit of Belarusian fertilizers through their territories.
Belarus, a landlocked nation bordering Ukraine, Russia, and NATO members, has been a close ally of Moscow, allowing its territory to be used as a staging ground for Russian attacks on Ukraine. Canada, meanwhile, is the leading global exporter of potash, with over 39% of worldwide exports in 2024, more than half of which goes to the U.S. Trump's return to the presidency has led to strained U.S.-Canadian relations, including the imposition of tariffs by both nations.