The European organisation representing farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the EU, Copa-Cogeca indicated on Friday, 13 February, that the latest figures from the European Commission show an unprecedented collapse in nitrogen fertiliser imports since the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered into force.
In January 2026, the EU only imported 179,877 tonnes, compared to 1,183,728 tonnes in January 2025—a drop of over 80%. By way of reminder, Copa-Cogeca points out that nitrogen fertilisers represent 46% of total consumption, and over 30% is traditionally imported.
According to the organisation, this drop directly threatens agricultural production and the stability of European markets.
Copa-Cogeca highlights the fact that fertiliser prices on the internal market have risen 25% compared to the 2024 average. For arable crops—which already have negative margins—this increase could become unsustainable.
Copa-Cogeca warns that current stocks only cover 45% to 50% of what is needed for the 2026 harvest. In certain Member States—such as Italy and Ireland—the situation is even more critical. The organisation is calling for the CBAM on fertilisers to be suspended until the market is prepared and stable (see EUROPE 13796/6). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)