(NAFB.com) – Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced new steps late Tuesday aimed at easing rising fertilizer costs that have added pressure to U.S. farmers during the spring planting season. Officials said the plan includes reviewing shipping restrictions, encouraging additional imports, and examining competition in the fertilizer sector after recent price spikes tied to global supply disruptions. Analysts say reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed the movement of key nitrogen products and raised freight costs. Fertilizer remains one of the largest annual expenses for corn, wheat, and other crop producers. Higher prices come as many farmers already face weak commodity markets and narrow operating margins. Grower groups have urged federal agencies to improve domestic supply reliability and lower transportation barriers, warning that continued increases could affect planting decisions and profitability. Markets were watching whether lower crude oil prices would translate into reduced fertilizer costs, but retail prices for several major products remained elevated this week as supply chains continued adjusting.