Bangkok: "Suriya" discusses with Russia the import of 1-2 million tons of urea fertilizer per year, urging the first shipment to be ready by May. The Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives revealed the results of discussions with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, agreeing to proceed with the import of 1-2 million tons of urea fertilizer per year. The private sector will continue to discuss the details, with the goal of expediting the first shipment by May. A joint working group will also be established to promote trade between the two countries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that he had met with Mr. Dmitry Patrushev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and Mr. Maxim Makovich, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Russia, to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, particularly in agricultural products.
Mr. Suriya stated that the key issue is that Thailand has proposed importing 1-2 million tons of urea fertilizer per year from Russia at a friendly price. The fertilizer will be in granular form, with a particle size of 2.5-5 millimeters, to meet domestic demand. If approved, he will instruct the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to coordinate with the Russian Ambassador to Thailand to facilitate discussions between private sectors from both sides regarding business details. The goal is to begin exporting fertilizer from Russia to Thailand by May 2026.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that Russia has both mineral fertilizers and nitrogen fertilizers, or urea, and is ready to export them to Thailand. Companies like PhosAgro and UralChem have expressed interest, particularly in the form of long-term contracts. Regarding pricing and specific fertilizer specifications, it was agreed that private sector representatives from both countries should further discuss the details, with the Russian Ambassador to Thailand acting as the liaison on the Russian side.
In addition, Thailand proposed the establishment of a joint working group between the two countries to expedite the resolution of outstanding inventory issues, as well as technical aspects and trade facilitation, with the goal of completing the process within 3 months.
Both sides also agreed to establish a joint working group and are ready to support the long-term expansion of trade between them.
Currently, overall trade between Thailand and Russia is valued at approximately US$1.6 billion and has the potential for further growth, particularly in agricultural and food products.