PotashCorp is a Canadian-based international fertilizer company and the world’s largest potash producer.[1] In 2015, PotashCorp, through a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, began purchasing phosphate rock from Morocco’s state-owned phosphate company, OCP.[2] In the same year it became the top importer of Western Sahara phosphates, importing 474,000 tons worth $56.5 million. In a letter to the public, PotashCorp defended its business in Western Sahara, stating that “neither the U.N. nor any other competent legal authority has concluded that the production and use of phosphate rock from Western Sahara is in violation of international law.”[3]
In 2015, Agrium Inc. and Potash Corporation accounted for 64.5 per cent of all phosphate purchases from Western Sahara.[4] On September 11, 2016, the two companies agreed to an all-stock merger of equals that will create a combined company with 20,000 employees and $20.6 billion in sales.
[1] PotashCorp, “Overview, About: Who We Are” http://www.potashcorp.com/about/overview/.
[2] PotashCorp, “Phosphate Rock from Western Sahara,” November 2015, http://www.potashcorp.com/media/POT_Western_Sahara_11-2015.pdf.
[3] PotashCorp, “Phosphate Rock from Western Sahara,” November 2015, http://www.potashcorp.com/media/POT_Western_Sahara_11-2015.pdf.
[4] Financial Post, “Canadian Firms Dominate Phosphate Imports from Western Sahara: Report,” April 8, 2016, http://business.financialpost.com/news/mining/canadian-firms-dominate-phosphate-imports-from-western-sahara-report.
