Belarus’ govt ready to redirect potash export to East amid western sanctions – vice premier

<p> MINSK, Jun 28 - PrimePress. The Belarusian government is ready to redirect the export of potash fertilizers to the East, including to China and Russia, in the wake of the sectoral sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU). Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Subbotin made a statement to this effect in an interview shown on TV channel "Belarus 1" on June 27. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, on 24 June 2021, the EU Council imposed sanctions on seven sectors of the Belarusian economy, including restrictions on the import and transit of potash from Belarus under contracts signed after 25 June 2021. The restrictions apply only to potash with a nutrient content (potash K2O) of less than 40% and over 62% (technical potash - used in metallurgical, chemical and petrochemical industries). Potassium fertilizers with a nutrient content of 40% to 62%, the most popular potassium fertilizers in the world, are not yet subject to import ban. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Speaking about the impact of the sanctions on the potash industry, he noted that in addition to the Western world, there are also the East, the Middle East, China, and the Russian Federation. “Naturally, these flows will be redirected there. We are busy working to get the necessary certificates wherever we still do not have them and to penetrate new markets,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> He admitted that the sanctions create problems for Belarus’ potash producers, however everything is manageable and a solution will be found. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, prime ministers of Belarus and Russia Golovchenko and Mikhail Mishustin on April 16, 2021 discussed the possibility of transshipment of potash fertilizers through Russian seaports on the Baltic Sea in the framework of the relevant intergovernmental agreement of February 19, 2021 on the transshipment of Belarusian oil products in 2021-2023. According to Golovchenko, the Belarusian side is ready to invest in the construction of a port terminal. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, RZD Deputy CEO Alexei Shilo told reporters on 9 Apr 2021 that Russian Railways (RZD) was ready to carry the necessary volumes of fertilizers and timber from Belarus through Russian ports for export, offering alternatives via North-West, South, and the Far East. Shilo clarified with regard to Belaruskali products that RZD could facilitate the delivery of around 12 million tonnes of potash fertilizers per year. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Belarusian Potash Company (BPC, which exercises the exclusive right to foreign trade in potash fertilizers) exported 7.14 million tons of potash fertilizers in 2020 (in terms of 100% potassium chloride) worth $2.721 billion, including $196 million worth exported to the EU. BPC facilitates export deliveries via the port of Klaipeda (Lithuania) with the possibility of transshipment of 10-11 million tons per year. The main consumers of Belarusian potash fertilizers are Brazil, China, the USA, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Morocco, Norway and Poland. End </p>

2021-06-29

Primepress