Production at the Yara International fertiliser plant in Kokkola, on the west coast of Finland, has been curtailed due to difficulties in obtaining raw materials needed from Russia.
One of the main components of fertilisers used in the forestry and agricultural industry is potassium chloride, and it is increasingly difficult to obtain as it is chiefly sourced from Russia.
Due to pricing fluctuations prompted by drastic changes in energy prices, new fertiliser orders have been suspended for the time being, according to the Norwegian-owned firm's plant manager, Mika Uusitalo.
As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as harsh sanctions it now faces, Russia has restricted its fertiliser product exports.
However, the international sanctions do not currently apply to fertiliser materials as they are essential for food production.
"We are closely following governments' instructions and sanctions, because the situation can change quickly," Uusitalo said.
Fertiliser production costs have also started to rise sharply due to increased prices of materials and energy.
Yara is currently seeking alternative raw materials to replace those from Russia, according to Uusitalo.
"More than 80 percent of the ammonia and potassium salts for NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilisers have been imported from Russia. Attempts are being made to reduce the reliance on Russia," he said.
Yara manufactures around 220,000 tonnes of potassium sulphate used in fertilisers as well as 200,000 tonnes of feed phosphates intended for livestock production. The Kokkola facility's feed phosphate production is currently operating at normal levels.
Yara International is Europe's largest fertiliser production company and operates the EU's sole phosphate mine in the Finnish municipality of Siilinjärvi.
