The EU imports around 40% of its fertilizers, with 60% domestically produced.

Omissions

• The claim does not specify which types of fertilizers are included (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or all combined). Import dependency varies significantly by nutrient type.
• The EC's official 2026 figure of ~30% import dependency refers specifically to nitrogen fertilizers, not the entire fertilizer market.
• No time period is specified; import dependency has fluctuated considerably (28-45% for nitrogen between 2019-2022) depending on energy prices and geopolitical events.
• Two independent sources or one primary source confirming the 40% overall fertilizer import share could not be found.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Q&A on Fertiliser Action PlanApproximately 30% of the EU's nitrogen fertiliser demand is imported, with some products such as urea and UAN having a higher import dependency. The EU imports significant amounts of phosphate rock (nearly 90%) and potash (over 60%).
• SecondaryCAP Reform – Import dependence for nitrogen supplyThe import share was 28% in 2019, 30% in 2020, 32% in 2021, but jumped to 45% in 2022. This refers to nitrogen fertilizer import share of domestic consumption.
• SecondaryFertilizers Europe – Statement on European fertilizer marketLow January 2026 import level of fertilizers into Europe is the result of an unprecedented flooding of imported fertilizers in Q4 2025 to avoid anticipated tariffs.