The European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, Fertilizers Europe, recently published a press release stating that it welcomes the European Commission's proposal to impose tariffs on fertilizers originating in Russia and Belarus, as a response to the current significant geopolitical and economic challenges. Europe's food security and strategic autonomy depend on a strong and competitive European fertilizer industry, so it is essential that tariffs be set immediately, at a level that effectively stops all imports from Russia and Belarus. Such a measure would reduce dependence on the European Union, weaken Russia's war economy, support European manufacturers, and ensure a steady supply of quality products for our farmers.

As Fertilizers Europe recalls, on January 28, the Commission adopted a proposal to impose tariffs on nitrogen-based fertilizers from Russia and Belarus. According to Leo Alders, President of the Association, the European fertilizer industry has been exposed to imports from Russia and Belarus at artificially low prices for too long, severely distorting the market and undermining fair competition with record imports in recent years. In this sense, the Commission's tariff proposal is a clear recognition of the need to achieve a level playing field and ensure that European manufacturers can continue to supply our farmers with sustainable, high-quality fertilizers.

The President of Fertilizers Europe also emphasizes that the current situation requires an even more ambitious approach and calls on the Council and the European Parliament to prioritize this proposal and seriously consider increasing tariff levels to a minimum of 30%. Furthermore, to ensure a balanced and effective transition, he recommends that the gradual implementation of import duties be carried out every six months, rather than annually.



Link to the Fertilizers Europe press release: https://www.fertilizerseurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fertilizers-Europe_Press-Release_Tariffs-on-Russian-Belarusian-fertilizers_29-01-2025.pdf