Hungary's Demands to the EU on Fertilizer Imports
Hungary is urging the European Union to temporarily eliminate tariffs on fertilizer imports from Russia and Belarus. According to Minister of Agriculture István Nagy, this step is crucial to address a resource shortage caused by the war in Iran, which is driving up food prices and creating difficulties for EU farmers. Budapest insists on suspending these tariffs and additional import duties to prevent a drop in crop yields.
Hungary produces only nitrogen-based fertilizers and is entirely dependent on imports for phosphorus and potassium. Last year, the value of fertilizer supplies reached approximately €2 billion. However, imports sharply declined at the start of 2026 due to new EU tariffs, which were strengthened in 2025 to avoid funding Russia's war effort. In response, Russia has redirected sanctioned natural gas to fertilizer production to maintain its export revenue.
Global Crises Impact the Agricultural Sector
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severed supply chains for fuel and raw materials. Hungary has also proposed easing the ban on Russian gas, but Brussels has so far rejected these suggestions. As István Nagy noted,
"the war in Iran is triggering a sharp increase in food prices and creating a resource deficit for EU farmers."
Hungary's push to remove fertilizer import duties highlights the severe challenges facing the agricultural industry amid global crises. Given the EU's reliance on imported fertilizers, this issue is likely to spark broader debates within the bloc. This situation underscores the complex trade-offs between supporting member states' domestic agricultural needs and maintaining a unified sanctions policy against Russia. The EU's final decision could significantly impact regional food security and farm economies for years to come.
As Hungary navigates the complexities of agricultural sustainability amid rising food prices, the situation is further complicated by global supply chain disruptions. The ongoing potential fuel shortages resulting from the blockade of critical routes could exacerbate the challenges faced by European farmers. Understanding these interconnected crises is vital for grasping the full impact on food security in the region.