Russian fertilizer group Uralchem JSC in a statement confirmed the first consignment of fertilizers produced by itself and potash producer Uralkali PJSC (now owned by Uralchem) and which for some time has been held in EU ports as a result of sanctions on Russia will be shipped to Malawi.
According to Uralchem CEO JSC Dmitry Konyaev, the consignment comprises around 20,000 mt of NPK 27:6:6.2, and the consignee will be Uralkali Trading SIA.
Uralchem said it ships fertilizers to certain African countries that are in the most difficult situation free of charge, and is part of a wider humanitarian mission under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal number two goal to end hunger.
Last week, Post Online Media – among other news reports – cited Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan as reporting the first humanitarian shipment of Russian fertilizers was anticipated to depart for Africa during the first week of November (GM Nov. 4, p. 35).
The report cited Grynspan as saying the fertilizers are being donated by Uralchem for humanitarian needs in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, with the direct engagement of the World Food Programme (WFP) .
Konyaev said Uralchem/Uralkali intend to continue free shipments of their mineral fertilizers to the African continent, and “are ready to provide additionally around 240,000 mt.” He said this material “is still stuck in European ports and that the company is in the process of UN-assisted negotiations to release the fertilizers.”