The European Union is considering a reduction in tariffs on U.S. fertilizer imports as part of its ongoing trade talks with the Trump administration, though it remains firm on maintaining its strict food safety standards, according to EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, speaking to Reuters on Friday.
Hansen stated that lowering tariffs on American fertilizers is under active discussion, calling it a substantial step forward and a meaningful gesture to the U.S. He emphasized that the details of any reduction—whether to zero or simply below current levels—are still being negotiated.
Currently, U.S. fertilizers face EU duties of 5.5% on ammonia and 6.5% on nitrogen-based products, along with an anti-dumping levy of €29.48 per tonne on urea ammonium nitrate (UAN). UAN accounted for roughly 75% of EU imports of U.S. fertilizers last year, according to trade data.
Reducing these tariffs could encourage greater EU purchases of American fertilizer, particularly as the bloc looks to reduce its reliance on Russian imports. In 2023, 24% of the EU’s nitrogen fertilizer imports came from Russia, while only 8% originated from the U.S.
Hansen noted that many Europeans would likely prefer sourcing fertilizers from the U.S. rather than Russia, especially as the EU moves to impose increasing tariffs on Russian nitrogen fertilizers, which will rise to 100% over three years, effectively ending trade worth €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) annually.
In addition to fertilizers, Hansen indicated the EU is open to boosting imports of hormone-free U.S. beef, and is also considering a zero-for-zero tariff deal on wine between the two regions.
However, Hansen reiterated that the EU’s food safety and quality regulations are not up for negotiation. Any trade agreement, he said, would be designed to uphold—not dilute—those standards.
While the EU remains open to broader discussions on other products and issues, Hansen stressed that its regulatory framework remains a non-negotiable part of any agreement.
