Russia’s Rail Tariff Hike Halts Finnish Fertilizer Imports, Disrupts Key Supply Chains and Threatens Global Food Security

Russia’s decision to increase rail transport tariffs for exports to Finland by eightfold has forced Finnish companies to halt fertilizer imports, disrupting a key supply chain for the country’s agriculture sector and risking higher costs for farmers and consumers. The government has pledged to mitigate the impact through tax refunds and accelerated subsidy payments, while experts warn the move reflects Russia’s broader concerns over domestic fertilizer shortages—and could now affect fertilizer availability for Finland’s next growing season. The disruption also extends to global markets, as Russian fertilizers transiting through Finland are destined for other regions, including Africa and South America.