On May 22, 2025, the European Union announced a major trade policy shift with the adoption of new customs duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agricultural imports, aimed at cutting economic ties that support Russia’s war economy. The proposal includes a 15% tariff hike on previously unsanctioned Russian agricultural goods and a 50% duty on around 100 products, effectively revoking Russia’s “most favoured nation” status. A phased increase in duties on nitrogen-based fertilizers will be implemented over three years to allow the EU market time to adjust.

The measure is designed to reduce Europe’s 13% dependency on Russian fertilizers and revitalize the EU’s domestic fertilizer industry, which has suffered from unfair competition due to artificially low Russian prices. Safeguards include EU-wide price monitoring for four years and an emergency mechanism to suspend tariffs from other countries in case of price shocks. Lawmakers emphasized that the plan reinforces European food and economic security, while ensuring that EU farmers remain protected and competitive during the transition.

Link: https://www.reneweuropegroup.eu/news/2025-05-22/no-more-russian-fertilizers-eu-imposes-tough-new-customs-duties