EU cuts import duties on potash from Russia, Belarus

The European Union cut import duties on potash from Russia and Belarus on Wednesday, ending almost 20 years of trade barriers against the imported fertiliser and prompting praise from British farmers. Import duties of up to 27.5 percent expired on potash exports by Russia's Silvinit and Uralkali.
The lapsing of the duties deals a victory to European farmers who have been lobbying for cheaper access to the fertiliser. EU potash producers - German minerals firm K+S and the Spanish and British operations of Israel Chemicals (ICL) - had asked for an extension until at least 2016 to counteract illegal export pricing by producers in Russia and Belarus.