EU Unveils New Tariffs on Russian Fertilizer Imports to Bolster Economic Security

On Thursday, EU nations granted final approval for new tariffs on fertilizer imports from Russia, a decision aimed at cutting off funds that could support Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, despite reservations from European agricultural producers.

During a meeting in Luxembourg, justice ministers from all 27 EU member countries endorsed the regulation. This legislation not only targets certain agricultural products but also includes Russia’s ally, Belarus, and is set to be implemented next month.

“These actions enhance our economic security by decreasing our reliance on Russia,” stated Michal Baranowski, the Polish undersecretary of state for trade. “We are further diminishing Russia’s export earnings, thereby limiting its capacity to finance its devastating war. This demonstrates a unified Europe at its best.”

The newly imposed tariffs will affect nitrogen-based fertilizers and other agricultural products that were not included in previous sanctions activated last year. The tariffs will gradually rise until 2028, at which point they are anticipated to render Russian imports commercially nonviable.

European agricultural associations have expressed their opposition to these tariffs, cautioning that they may lead to increased fertilizer prices amid ongoing dependency on Russian supplies.