Stan Kolbe

The U.S. is setting records for fertilizer purchases from Russia In March, the United States imported more than $240 million worth of Russian fertilizers — the highest level in the history of bilateral trade. For the quarter, the total reached $564 million, up 37% year-on-year. Russian fertilizers remain competitive due to cheap natural gas used in production — which keeps prices lower. Sanctions have also had an unexpected effect: new U.S. tariffs did not hit Russia but affected its competitors, tilting the market in Moscow’s favor. The situation was further worsened by the crisis in the Middle East. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz pushed many suppliers out of the market, sending fertilizer prices sharply higher. Against this backdrop, the U.S. is forced to buy from Russia — otherwise the impact on agriculture would be severe.