EU sanctions against potash export from Belarus may be introduced as early as June 21
<p> MINSK, May 27 - PrimePress. A decision on sanctions against potash fertilizer exports from Belarus may be taken by June 21, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told reporters before an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the EU member states. </p> <p> </p> <p> “The central point, I think, is economic sanctions. Yesterday we had the first discussion in Brussels, no one is shying away, the topic is important. Secondly, the keyword, I think, is potash. We know that Belarus produces very much potash, it is one of the biggest suppliers globally, and I think it would hurt Lukashenko very much if we managed something in this area," Asselborn said. </p> <p> </p> <p> He added that he assumes that “before June 21, when we, as foreign ministers, meet in Luxembourg, we will achieve this.” </p> <p> </p> <p> As previously reported, after the August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, a political crisis began in the country. The authorities responded to the protests of citizens who disagreed with the election results with harsh repression and persecution. Since October 2020, the EU has already introduced three packages of sanctions against the Belarusian authorities, and a fourth package is in the pipeline. The decision to adopt a fourth package of sanctions was taken by the EU summit on May 25 following the incident with the Ryanair plane. </p> <p> </p> <p> In 2020, Belarus’ potash fertilizer supplies to the EU totalled $204.872 million (down 23% year on year). The EU countries accounted for 7.5% (in terms of value) of Belarus’ potash fertilizer exports in 2020. </p> <p> </p> <p> Belaruskali is one of the world’s largest producers of potassium mineral fertilizers, 100% of the company's shares are owned by the state. The company operates on the basis of Starobinskiy potassium salt deposits. The company accounts for 16% of global exports of potash fertilizers. Belarusian potash is exported to over 100 countries, with Belarusian Potash Company acting as dedicated export trader. End </p>
2021-05-28
Primepress
EU sanctions against potash export from Belarus may be introduced as early as June 21
MINSK, May 27 - PrimePress. A decision on sanctions against potash fertilizer exports from Belarus may be taken by June 21, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told reporters before an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the EU member states.
“The central point, I think, is economic sanctions. Yesterday we had the first discussion in Brussels, no one is shying away, the topic is important. Secondly, the keyword, I think, is potash. We know that Belarus produces very much potash, it is one of the biggest suppliers globally, and I think it would hurt Lukashenko very much if we managed something in this area," Asselborn said.
He added that he assumes that “before June 21, when we, as foreign ministers, meet in Luxembourg, we will achieve this.”
As previously reported, after the August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, a political crisis began in the country. The authorities responded to the protests of citizens who disagreed with the election results with harsh repression and persecution. Since October 2020, the EU has already introduced three packages of sanctions against the Belarusian authorities, and a fourth package is in the pipeline. The decision to adopt a fourth package of sanctions was taken by the EU summit on May 25 following the incident with the Ryanair plane.
In 2020, Belarus’ potash fertilizer supplies to the EU totalled $204.872 million (down 23% year on year). The EU countries accounted for 7.5% (in terms of value) of Belarus’ potash fertilizer exports in 2020.
Belaruskali is one of the world’s largest producers of potassium mineral fertilizers, 100% of the company's shares are owned by the state. The company operates on the basis of Starobinskiy potassium salt deposits. The company accounts for 16% of global exports of potash fertilizers. Belarusian potash is exported to over 100 countries, with Belarusian Potash Company acting as dedicated export trader. End