OCP is preparing to deepen its industrial presence in the United States through a major fertilizer project in Louisiana, joining forces with American agricultural cooperative CHS to develop a new phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility.
The planned plant, located at the Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, Jefferson Parish, is expected to produce more than one million tonnes of phosphate fertilizers annually. The investment could reach $450 million, placing the project among the more significant new fertilizer manufacturing initiatives planned in the United States in decades.
For OCP, the project represents more than an additional production site. It creates a direct industrial link between its phosphate resources and the American agricultural market, while giving the Moroccan group a stronger position closer to one of the world’s largest farming economies.
Under the proposed joint venture, OCP Group would supply the phosphoric acid required by the facility. OCP North America and CHS would then distribute the finished fertilizers across the US market. CHS, which is owned by farmers and operates an extensive agricultural distribution network, would provide access to cooperatives, retailers and farmers across the country.
The location also offers important logistical advantages. The Cornerstone Energy Park provides access to industrial infrastructure and raw materials, while connections to the Mississippi River network can facilitate the movement of agricultural products.
The timing is particularly significant for the US fertilizer market. American farmers currently rely on imports for around 40% of their phosphate fertilizer requirements. The additional domestic capacity planned by OCP and CHS could cut that dependence by more than 48%, according to the companies.
The project also aligns with Washington’s efforts to strengthen domestic fertilizer production and reduce exposure to international supply disruptions. OCP and CHS have submitted a financing application to the US Department of Agriculture under the FIELDS program, which supports investment aimed at expanding long-term domestic fertilizer supply.
The economic impact would extend beyond fertilizer production. Construction could generate around 500 jobs, while the completed facility is expected to create approximately 60 permanent positions in Jefferson Parish. Including direct and supporting activities, the partners estimate that the project could be associated with as many as 924 jobs.
Once the necessary approvals are secured, construction is expected to take up to 24 months.
The Louisiana project also marks a new stage in OCP’s strategy in the American market. Rather than relying solely on exports, the Moroccan phosphate giant is moving toward a model that combines its upstream expertise and phosphoric acid supply with local manufacturing and distribution capabilities in the United States.
For American agriculture, the objective is greater access to locally produced fertilizer. For OCP, the operation would strengthen its industrial footprint in a strategically important market while bringing its phosphate value chain closer to US farmers.
