FTC chair says agency is probing fertilizer industry over price hikes

May 29, 2026 - 01:41

The Federal Trade Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into the fertilizer industry, according to the agency's chair, who made the announcement during a public event in Texas on Thursday. The probe focuses on recent price hikes that have strained American farmers and contributed to higher food costs nationwide.

Speaking at a gathering in Austin, the FTC chair stated that the agency is examining whether market concentration or anti-competitive practices are driving up fertilizer prices. She noted that farmers have faced steep increases for key inputs like nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, which are essential for crop production. The investigation will look at the behavior of major producers and suppliers to determine if collusion, price fixing, or other unfair tactics are at play.

The fertilizer market has seen significant consolidation in recent years, with a handful of companies controlling a large share of global supply. Industry critics argue that this concentration allows firms to raise prices without fear of competition. The FTC's move signals a broader federal effort to address inflation in the agricultural sector, which has seen input costs soar since the pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine disrupted global supply chains.

The chair emphasized that the probe is in its early stages and that the agency will seek documents and testimony from key players. No timeline for a conclusion was provided.