The EU’s proposals to introduce tariffs on fertilizer imports from Russia aim to ramp up pressure on Moscow regarding the Ukraine conflict, but these measures have caused concern among European farmers who fear potential increases in prices.
Over a quarter of the European Union’s imports of nitrogen fertilizers originate from Russia, while an additional significant amount comes from Belarus, which aligns itself closely with Moscow.
The European Commission aims to halt the flow — approximately 3.6 million tons, with a total value of 1.28 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in 2023 — from continuing.
This would diminish Russia’s wartime funds, bolster local manufacturers, and decrease Europe’s reliance on an adversary that might exploit this dependence as leverage, according to Brussels.
It will also stop the indirect export of Russian gas, which is utilized for making fertilizers, according to a European diplomat.
However, not everybody is pleased.
Dominique Dejonckheere from the pan-European farmers’ organization Copa-Cogeca stated that Russian fertilizers are the most cost-effective for EU supply, thanks to their robust logistics.
There’s a sense that farmers are getting overlooked.
The commission aims for the duties to rise progressively through the summer until they achieve “a prohibitive level” within three years.
Duties on imports from North Africa, Central Asia, the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nigeria could be removed to alleviate pressure on prices, it suggested, among other mitigating measures, should the duties lead to price shocks.
“The European fertiliser industry has faced unfairly cheap imports from Russia and Belarus for an extended period, significantly disrupting the market and hindering fair competition,” stated the industry lobbying organization Fertilizers Europe, expressing support for the initiative.
No drama
Supported by EU member countries in March, the proposal has not yet been approved by the European Parliament. Farmers have pledged to ensure their concerns are acknowledged.
“A significant worry” is the potential for rising prices,” stated Amaury Poncelet, who cultivates cereals and sugar beets in Berloz, located in central Belgium.
A few of my coworkers are already facing financial difficulties. While we acknowledge the necessity of supporting Ukraine and irritating Russia, we must recognize that we’ll be the ones most affected.
Copa-Cogecais advocating for a one-year delay, incorporating an annual evaluation provision, and loosening limitations on certain substitute items.
Farmers’ demonstrations — similar to those Brussels has become accustomed to over the past few years — could be considered as a course of action if prices increase swiftly and the commission does not step in, it suggested.
Members of the European Parliament appear divided regarding this matter. A decision will be made through a vote in May.
“Inga Ruka, a Latvian legislator from the center-right European People’s Party group in Parliament and the reporter for this document, stated, ‘The circumstances are manageable, and I see no reason to exaggerate it,’” she remarked.
The proposal has struck an excellent balance,” she remarked. “Many nations are prepared to provide us with fertilizers.
However, even among her own group — which is the biggest faction in the 720-seat assembly — consensus isn’t universal.
“Certainly, we need to decrease our reliance on Russian fertilizers,” stated French EPP parliamentarian Celine Imart, who also works as a cereal farmer, “but farmers inevitably bear the cost.”
