In the period from January through May of the current year, Russian fertilizer shipments to European Union member states rose by approximately 1.7 times compared with the previous year, totaling around 1.9 million tons according to data published by Vedomosti drawing on Eurostat figures. This trend highlights a notable uptick in trade volume as European buyers continued to source essential agricultural inputs from Russia amid shifting market dynamics.
During this January–May window, the main EU buyers of Russian fertilizers were Poland, which imported 467,700 tonnes, representing about 24% of all deliveries; France with 228,500 tonnes (roughly 12%); Germany at 214,300 tonnes (around 11%); and Italy with 188,100 tonnes (nearly 10%). Collectively, these four nations accounted for about 57% of Russia’s fertilizer exports to the European Union, underscoring concentrated demand from central and western European markets.
According to the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association (RAPU), export volumes from Russia reached 40 million tonnes in 2023, a 25% increase from 2022, while production rose 9% to 59.3 million tonnes. These figures reflect a robust year for the sector, driven by steady demand and enhanced production capacity, with shipments expanding across multiple international destinations and reinforcing Russia’s role as a key supplier in global agricultural input markets.
In June, officials from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Russian side engaged in discussions that emphasized the importance of maintaining the export of Russian agricultural products. The dialogue signaled recognition by both parties of the critical role these exports play in global food security, supply chains, and market stability as trade routes and regulatory environments continue to evolve in response to geopolitical considerations.
Meanwhile, statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that sanctions should not halt Russia’s ability to sell its natural resources abroad. The position underscores a belief among Russian officials that resource exports will persist despite external pressures, supported by diversified international demand and ongoing commercial partnerships across regions, even as policymakers monitor sanctions regimes and their broader economic impacts.