The Council of the European Union has approved a one-year suspension of import tariffs on key nitrogen fertilizers, including urea and ammonia widely used in agriculture. Brussels expects the measure to reduce costs for farmers and fertilizer producers by approximately €60 million while ensuring more stable supply chains for the agricultural sector.
The decision does not apply to products originating from Russia and Belarus. The EU maintains restrictions on fertilizer imports from these countries due to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the bloc’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on Russian supplies. Instead, the tariff-free regime will apply to imports from countries operating under the EU’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status.
To protect European fertilizer producers, the new mechanism will operate within specific import quotas. The quotas are based on 2024 MFN import volumes plus an additional 20% of the previous import levels from Russia and Belarus. The European Commission also plans to closely monitor market conditions and adjust the mechanism if necessary.
Agricultural market analysts note that the EU’s decision could influence the global fertilizer market and help stabilize food production across Europe. Amid high energy prices, logistics risks, and geopolitical instability, access to more affordable nitrogen fertilizers remains one of the key factors supporting the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.