Comprendre les enjeux de l'agriculture

On January 29, 2025, the European Commission proposed imposing prohibitive tariffs on certain Russian and Belarusian nitrogen fertilizers. This initiative aims to protect the European Union’s food security and reduce its dependence on these imports. The Commission plans to introduce high tariffs on fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate, as well as other agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. The proposal must be reviewed by the European Parliament and the EU Council before implementation.

A fertilizer price monitoring mechanism will be put in place. If prices rise significantly, additional measures will be considered. Brussels emphasizes that these imports make the EU vulnerable to Russian pressure, especially during times of conflict. Russian fertilizer imports to France increased by 80% between 2021 and 2023, raising concerns among producers.

The Commission aims to weaken Russia’s war economy while supporting European industry and preserving global food security. If the proposal is adopted, all agricultural imports from Russia would also be subject to EU tariffs. This initiative is part of broader sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, with the goal of diversifying supply sources and strengthening local production.

Source: La France Agricole