US to receive first Belarusian potash shipment in four years

The United States is expected to receive its first shipment of Belarusian potash fertilizers in four years in October following an easing of US sanctions on the sector. According to the Financial Times, a 30 thsd ton cargo is due to arrive at the Port of New Orleans on October 14.

Belarusian Potash Company loaded 30 thsd tons of granular potassium chloride on September 15 at the Russian port of Bronka in St. Petersburg. Due to EU sanctions, Belarus cannot use the port of Klaipeda and is routing shipments through Russian ports.

The supplies became possible after the US eased restrictions on Belarus’ potash industry. In March, Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian Potash Company and Belaruskali as part of agreements linked to the release of a group of political prisoners.

In September, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement on supplies of Belarusian potash fertilizers to the United States at a significant discount. Diversifying supply is important for the US market, as Canada currently accounts for nearly 80% of US potash fertilizer imports.

At the same time, Lithuania has said it does not plan to reopen its ports for Belarusian potash exports and sees no grounds for easing EU sanctions. Further shipments to the US are therefore likely to depend on the availability of alternative logistics routes through Russian ports.

Tags: fertilizers, potash, Belarus, USA