Over two decades, Russia has transformed itself from a food importer into a major producer and global exporter of agricultural products. A significant role in this transformation has been played by the rapid growth of the mineral fertilizer industry. Record production volumes not only fully meet domestic demand but also enable expansion of exports, primarily to BRICS countries, which now account for nearly 50% of shipments. The further pursuit of strategic goals has been entrusted to the members of the Russian Fertilizers Producers Association (RFPA), led by Andrey Guryev.
A key catalyst to growth of Russian agricultural sector has been the rapid development of the mineral fertilizer industry. As Andrey Guryev, President of the Russian Fertilizers Producers Association (RFPA), told BRICS Business Magazine, a new investment cycle began in the industry in 2013. As a result, production of all types of mineral fertilizer increased during this period by more than 60%, reaching a record 63 million tonnes in 2024.
“Our country has never produced this much in the industry’s more than century long history,” Guryev stated. “Here, we have surpassed the United States and India, and now confidently hold second place in the world after China.”
Shipments to Russian farmers have increased 2.5-fold and the amount of fertilizer applied has doubled to 77 kg per hectare.
“The result is record-high, quality harvests of most key crops, including grain. After all, the land is not just a resource, it is a partner. The better we understand it, the more it gives.”
According to the head of the RFPA, meeting the needs of Russian agricultural sector is the absolute priority for all industry participants. At the same time, Guryev notes, development of exports will remain among the industry’s most important priorities for the foreseeable future.
The BRICS countries will remain the most important external market for Russian mineral products. Over the last three years, shipments to these countries have grown by 60%, reaching a record 21.5 million tonnes.
“Russian mineral fertilizer producers are acutely aware that every gram of fertilizer is a gram of responsibility. We feed not only fields but also people. We don’t just ensure harvests; we create confidence in the future. True food security is when every child knows what bread grown in their own country tastes like. That’s why we are ready to continue serving as a reliable pillar for friendly nations in building food sovereignty,” Guryev affirmed.
Brazil is likely to remain the key buyer of Russian products. In 2024, Russia increased exports to Brazil by 20%, reaching 11.4 million tonnes. The priority of this market for Russian suppliers was reiterated during the Russia–Brazil Business Forum, held as part of the July BRICS Summit business programme in Rio de Janeiro.
“Brazil is the most important export destination for Russia’s mineral fertilizer industry after the strategically prioritized domestic market. In 2024, bilateral trade volumes once again hit a historic high, growing by 9% to USD 12.4 billion. The mineral fertilizer industry accounts for over a third of the trade between our countries. Russia and Brazil have built a strong, resilient agribusiness chain that ensures food security for billions of people worldwide,” emphasized Guryev, who also chairs the Russia–Brazil Business Council.
The contribution made by the mineral fertilizer industry to the development of Russia–Brazil partnership has been bolstered substantially by the Brazilian government’s decision to cancel the 6% import duty on a range of high-quality Russian fertilizers, said Guryev. He added that the Russia–Brazil Business Council has been tasked with creating a mechanism for working effectively toward liberalization of trade within the bloc, including by leveraging the positive practices established between Russia and Brazil, which have raised bilateral trade to new heights.
India will remain the second-largest export market among BRICS countries. From December to February, shipments of complex fertilizers from Russia to India grew 1.5-fold year-on-year, reaching 1.5 million tonnes.
Another dynamically growing market is Africa. Over the past three years, exports of Russian mineral fertilizers to the continent have grown by 50%, reaching 1.9 million tonnes.
“Today, the BRICS countries account for nearly 50% of all mineral fertilizer consumption, and this is a market that will continue to grow,” Guryev noted during the meeting with Russian President Putin in mid-July.
Shipments to the strategically prioritized domestic market will also continue to grow. By year-end, the sector’s enterprises are expected to produce 63 million tonnes of output, setting yet another historic record.
