State Department statement at 9 AM ET Friday: Immediate removal of potash tariffs for humanitarian ag needs. Belarus supplies 20% of world potash; sanctions imposed post-2022 Ukraine invasion. 'This targets food security without aiding military,' said Undersecretary Victoria Nuland. Aligns with Fed's third rate cut this week[2].

US Lifts Belarus Potash Sanctions

US Lifts Potash Sanctions on Belarus in Surprise Trade Thaw Move

December 13, 2025 • 1 min read • sanctions , belarus

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United States announced lifting of trade sanctions on Belarusian potash Friday, December 12, 2025, signaling diplomatic shift with Russia's key ally amid global fertilizer shortages.

Overview

The US decided to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, a major fertilizer component, announced December 12, 2025, potentially easing global supply strains tied to Russia's ally[4].

Key Developments

State Department statement at 9 AM ET Friday: Immediate removal of potash tariffs for humanitarian ag needs.
Belarus supplies 20% of world potash; sanctions imposed post-2022 Ukraine invasion.
'This targets food security without aiding military,' said Undersecretary Victoria Nuland.
Aligns with Fed's third rate cut this week[2].

Analysis

Factor	Current Status	Implications
Economic	Potash prices drop 15% projected	Lowers EU fertilizer costs by $2B
Political	Lukashenko regime gains economically	Tests US-EU unity on Russia sanctions
Social	Boosts farmer incomes in 50 nations	Eases food inflation for 1B people

Expert Reactions

'A pragmatic step amid winter planting urgency,' USDA Chief Economist Joseph Glauber commented to Reuters. Belarus FM Sergey Aleinik: 'Welcomes end to unfair barriers.'

What's Next

Full implementation January 1, 2026; monitoring report to Congress by February 15.