OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2011. The Belarusian government plans to increase the export duty on potash fertilizers by 25 euros per tonne to 75 euros, a source in Belneftekhim concern stated.

“The decision has been agreed with the concern and Belaruskali. Measures have been taken not to infringe on the interests of the potash maker,” the source said.

He added that the fiscal authorities suggested raising the duty early in 2011, however, the decision was postponed, because global prices were not growing fast enough.

Potash prices grew to an average USD 367 per tonne in the first quarter of 2011 from USD 300 in 2010.

Belarus first introduced the duty in 2008, when the spot contract price exceeded USD 1,000 per tonne.