Russian fertilizers have not fallen under strict restrictions because they are critical for global food security. However, this is only one of the reasons. RIA Novosti explains why Europe is in no hurry to completely abandon them.

In the first half of the year, exports to the US increased by almost a quarter. But an even larger volume is consumed by Western Europe, the head of the Russian Export Center (REC) Veronika Nikishina said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

She noted that due to the global importance of Russian fertilizers for food security, their ban could have devastating consequences, and even the most radical politicians are aware of this.

In this regard, the European Union limited itself to imposing duties: from July 1, 2025, 40 euros per ton for nitrogen and 45 euros per ton for mixed fertilizers were added to the basic customs duty of 6.5 percent. By 2028, a gradual increase to 315 and 430 euros, respectively, is planned. Purchases continue in thousands of tons: in June, 201 thousand tons were imported for almost 94 million euros.

The US even added Russian fertilizers to the list of essential goods in 2022.

Other buyers include China, Brazil, and India. Supplies to Africa increased by one and a half times last year compared to 2024, and from January to June 2026, the increase was almost two-thirds relative to the same period in 2025.

Russia produces about 65 million tons of fertilizers annually, exporting up to 45 million, clarifies Sergei Zainullin, professor at the Department of Advertising at Synergy University.

By continuing purchases and avoiding sanctions, the West recognizes that Russia is a key player in the global mineral fertilizer market both in price and quality, notes Ekaterina Novikova, associate professor at the Department of Economic Theory of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

Zainullin points out that the share of gas as a raw material in the cost of fertilizers is very high: for nitrogen fertilizers it reaches 70-80 percent. Therefore, the Russian price for certain items can be two to three times lower than that of competitors.

As early as 2024, Antoine Hoxha, Director General of Fertilizers Europe, stated that the EU is highly dependent on cheap Russian urea fertilizers.

Import is also beneficial due to geographical proximity.

Russia's assortment is wide: nitrogen, potash, phosphate, and various combined fertilizers. They are distinguished by high quality (many nutrients) and environmental friendliness (low content of cadmium and other harmful metals), which is especially important for the EU.

Novikova is confident that due to the unique raw material base, huge production scales, and severe shortage of free capacity in the world, it is impossible to find a full-fledged replacement for Russian supplies.

The duties that the EU introduces allegedly to reduce dependence on Moscow and stimulate diversification, in fact, only increase costs for farmers and large agricultural holdings, emphasizes Zainullin.

The expert predicts: if Russian products disappear from the market, prices will soar - by 200 percent for nitrogen fertilizers, by 150 for phosphorus, and by 600 for potash.

Accordingly, food will also become more expensive.

Novikova believes that the West realizes: given the difficult situation of the European economy, additional problems with food could lead to a collapse of world markets.

Thus, Russia will have to be reckoned with, including in the field of mineral fertilizers.

Source: RIA Novosti