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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has welcomed the European Commission’s review of the anti-dumping measures on fertiliser from Russia.
The Commission’s decision, titled “notice of initiation to conduct a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of ammonium nitrate originating in Russia”, was conducted in response to the increasing prices of fertiliser coming into Europe.
Creed acknowledged the high price farmers are paying for fertiliser and welcomed the review.
“I am acutely aware that fertiliser is a major input cost on farms. I have raised the question of anti-dumping tariffs on fertiliser imports at Council on a number of occasions, because they impose a significant additional cost on Irish farmers,” Creed said.
“While the issue has proven quite intractable, because Member States have differing views on the matter, I am pleased that the Commission has announced its intention to conduct this review.”
IFA
In early-August, IFA president Joe Healy said the review will be of major benefit to Irish farmers.
“The abolition of anti-dumping duties and tariffs on non-EU fertiliser imports will help to restore competitiveness to Irish and European agriculture. This move would save Irish farmers an estimated €32m per annum and European farmers €1bn,” Healy said.
Prices for CAN fertiliser are now €20/t higher than they were a year ago, with Yara announcing a €5/t price increase for 27% CAN fertiliser.
According to the IFA, wholesale EU CAN prices rise by 48%, with Ammonium Nitrate prices up by 40% since the opening of the 2016 / 17 fertiliser marketing year.
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