The European Union has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into urea imports from Russia, following a formal complaint filed by a European fertilizer industry association. The move underscores growing tensions over trade practices and energy advantages enjoyed by Russian producers.
The complaint, submitted on August 11, alleged that “artificially” low-priced Russian natural gas enables the country to produce urea at reduced costs, which is then “dumped” into the EU market. According to the association, such practices have harmed European manufacturers by depressing market share and price levels.
The European Commission will examine urea imports under the combined tariff headings 31021012, 31021015, 31021019, and 31021090. The investigation will cover imports during the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Data from Global Trade Tracker (GTT) indicates that the EU imported 2.1 million metric tons of urea from Russia during this period, with nearly half of the shipments destined for Poland.
Currently, urea imports from Russia are subject to a 6.5% tariff, in addition to a €40 per metric ton supplementary duty imposed since July 1 of this year. The new investigation could lead to further trade restrictions if dumping is confirmed.
The European fertilizer sector has long raised concerns about unfair competition from Russian urea, which benefits from subsidized energy inputs. The outcome of this case is being closely watched by agricultural and industrial stakeholders across the region.
