European Union countries significantly increased their purchases of Russian fertilizers in March 2026, with imports nearly doubling compared to February. According to Eurostat data analyzed by RIA Novosti, the total value of imports rose 1.7 times month-on-month, reaching €50.7 million compared to €30.5 million the previous month. Potash fertilizers accounted for the largest share, with purchases totaling €30.2 million – the highest level since January 2022. Nitrogen fertilizer imports saw even more dramatic growth, increasing 2.6 times to €10.5 million. Meanwhile, mixed fertilizer purchases declined by 7%, falling to €9.9 million.
At the same time, European countries continue to ramp up purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). In March 2026, the EU spent nearly €933 million on Russian LNG, representing a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year. These figures suggest that despite ongoing political rhetoric and sanctions discourse, economic ties between Europe and Russia in the fertilizer and energy sectors remain robust, with key import categories showing steady or even accelerated growth.
