Global nitrogen and agrochemicals producer Nutrien has ceased operations in Trinidad, resulting in the layoff of 600 employees. This decision follows the breakdown of last-minute negotiations with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (National Energy) over port and pier facility fees. National Energy asserted that Nutrien and other clients had been paying significantly below-market rates for decades, depriving taxpayers of over $500 million in revenue. The dispute escalated when Nutrien’s 2006 Pier User Agreement (PUA) expired in December 2020, and the company demanded even lower rates than those previously enjoyed. National Energy proposed fairer rates, but Nutrien refused to negotiate unless a $28 million invoice was withdrawn. Amid the standoff, Nutrien threatened to shut down its plants, prompting National Energy to offer temporary use of facilities at legacy rates until December 31, 2023, while urging negotiations for a new PUA. Despite this proposal, Nutrien proceeded with the shutdown, citing unresolved issues with future gas supply. National Energy emphasized that neither it nor the National Gas Company (NGC) is responsible for subsidizing Nutrien’s operations. The closure is expected to significantly impact employees and their families, though National Energy and NGC are working to minimize disruptions by reallocating gas supplies to other downstream plants.