OREANDA-NEWS. The state-owned Belarusian company OJSC Belaruskali plans to export potash fertilizers to the Russian market, a source in the profile ministry told reporters.

In the context of unfavourable conditions on foreign markets, Belarus may find it expedient to export potash fertilizers to Russia, the official said. The most lucrative destinations for potash fertilizer exports are Russia’s cross-border regions (Smolensk), especially since Belaruskali will not have to pay an export duty, the official said.

There are two rates of the export duty on potash fertilizers exported from the territory of Eurasian Economic Community. Under President Lukashenko’s ordinance #548 of December 7, 2012, the export duty stands at 75 euros per tonne – for potash exports bound for countries, with which Belarus has a free trade agreement; other destinations – 85 euros per tonne.

As previously reported, Belaruskali says its export proceeds reduced 11.1% year-on-year in January-November 2012.

In January-November 2012 OJSC Belaruskali exported 3.407 million tonnes of potash fertilizer (in terms of 100% potassium chloride), down 21.2% year on year. Export proceeds totalled USD 2.490 billion in January-November 2012, down 11.1% on the year.

The state-owned Belarusian company OJSC Belaruskali is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of potash fertilizers, employing about 18,440 personnel. It operates the Starobinskoye potash salts deposit and comprises four mine groups, auxiliary shops and support units.

Belaruskali controls 16% of the world’s potash fertilizer market.