Belarus Hikes Potash Export Duty 50 Pct from June

Belarus has raised export duty on potash fertilizers by 50 percent from June 1, a presidential decree showed on May 6, 2011, a move that is likely to hurt local producers.

The duty will rise to 75 euros per tonne from the current 50 euros, the decree published on official Web site www.pravo.by showed.

BPC, a joint venture between Belarussian state firm Belaruskali and Russia's Uralkali (URKA.MM)(URKAq.L), is the sole exporter of potash from Belarus and controls up to 30 percent of the global potash market.