Last week, we looked at how a tightening global sulfur supply is raising the cost of the phosphate-based crop nutrients that help feed the country. This week, a closer look at one of the more surprising parts of the story.
The United States produces a significant amount of sulfur domestically. In principle, that should give American producers a measure of protection from global supply shocks. But in practice, a substantial share of that domestic sulfur is exported to foreign powers who keep the fertilizer for themselves.
Consider the full loop:
At a moment when securing domestic supply has never mattered more, exporting sulfur to hostile foreign powers or state-run entities, at the expense of American farmers, manufacturers, and families, makes our food supply less secure.
The solution is straightforward. American sulfur should not be shipped to foreign, state-run companies.
If you agree that keeping American sulfur available to American producers is a commonsense step toward a more secure food supply, let your lawmakers know. It only takes a couple of minutes but could make a real difference in America’s food security.
