The Russian Council of Ministers moved to extend the export quotas for mineral fertilizers for an additional six months, keeping the limits in place through May 31, 2024. The decision was formalized in a resolution signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and published on the official legal information portal. This extension aims to provide stability for the sector while ensuring a steady domestic supply of essential agricultural inputs, especially under changing global market conditions discussed by government policymakers and industry observers alike. (Source: Russian government release)
The document lays out a total export quota of 16.95 million tons, broken down into 9.81 million tons of nitrogenous fertilizers and 7.14 million tons of complex fertilizers. This allocation structure reflects the government’s focus on balancing crop nutrition needs with foreign trade considerations, seeking to support domestic producers and farmers while managing trade flows. The numbers are positioned as part of a broader strategy to maintain fertilizer availability for farmers during the upcoming planting season and to mitigate potential price volatility in international markets. (Source: government statistics and policy briefing)
Historically, similar measures were instituted in May 2023 when non-tariff restrictions on fertilizer exports were introduced. The primary objective of these controls remains the preservation of sufficient domestic stocks and the avoidance of price spikes that could disrupt farm operations or affect food production. The policy narrative emphasizes safeguarding the domestic market while continuing to meet export commitments where feasible. (Source: policy note from the government)
The resolution also notes a shift in administration for fertilizer distribution, transferring responsibility for quota allocation from the general export framework to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The ministry is tasked with resolving the distribution details by November 27, ensuring a more centralized and transparent process. It is also stated that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are exempt from these quotas, with ongoing consideration given to regional supply arrangements that reflect geopolitical and economic specifics. (Source: ministerial directive)
Separately, beginning October 1, 2023, Russia implemented flexible export taxes covering a broad range of products. The duty rate under this regime adjusts in response to the ruble exchange rate, creating a cost structure that can influence exporter behavior and price formation in both domestic and international markets. The aim appears to be to harmonize fiscal measures with exchange rate dynamics, providing a mechanism to stabilize export incentives amid currency fluctuations. (Source: tax policy notice)
Earlier statements from industry officials suggested there was room for revisiting export duties on fertilizers, indicating ongoing consideration of fiscal levers to manage supply and pricing. This openness to reassessment signals a dynamic policy environment where authorities weigh domestic needs, global demand, and currency movements as they formulate export and pricing rules. (Source: sector commentary)