K producers eye new trading arm, jurisdiction

Moscow — Potash giants Uralkali and Belaruskali are looking at a new trading arm and venue for its registration, according to the Russian press. The new entity would be Soyuzkali and the venue Switzerland, which would give the unit better tax treatment and better access to low-cost loans. Another plus for Belarus, according to reports, is that the new venue would protect the country from possible economic sanctions from the U.S. and the European Union that might impact its potash exports. The partners have targeted February 2013 to begin operations. According to the reports, Belarusian Potash Co., the current trading arm, would continue to exist and retain some functions.