The European Commission has cut duties on Russian ammonium nitrate by a third, raising the prospect of more competition in supply of nitrogen fertilisers next year.

The decision follows the Commission’s two-year review of the anti-dumping duties, made at the request of the IFA and other EU farm organisations. It found that Russian exports were no longer causing injury to EU fertiliser manufacturers. The change, confirmed this week in the Official Journal of the European Union, sees duties cut from €47/t to €32/t for most grades of ammonium nitrate. The reduction equates to €12/t on CAN, the IFA says. “Irish fertiliser suppliers must reflect this reduction in CAN prices to the trade,” IFA Munster chair John Coughlan said.

EU fertiliser manufacturers have criticised the outcome and warned that they may ask for their own review and restoration of the full duties.

Representative group Fertilizer Europe claimed state subsidy of natural gas in Russia continues to give unfair advantage to Russian fertiliser manufacturers.

The issue will come to a head again next year as the EU anti-dumping duties fall due for a previously scheduled review.

IFA president Joe Healy said the Commission should introduce a minimum import price system to address any concerns of manufactures. “This would protect farmers and help restore incomes and competitiveness.”