US Pressures Lithuania to Allow Belarusian Potash Exports Amid EU Sanctions

• •US seeks to bypass EU sanctions on Belarusian potash exports via Lithuania.
• •Lithuania has repeatedly rejected US requests to reopen the Klaipeda port.
• •Trump's administration aims to lower fertiliser costs for US farmers amid trade tensions.

The Trump administration is urging Lithuania to permit the export of Belarusian potash fertiliser through the Klaipeda port, despite existing EU sanctions against Belarus. US special envoy John Coale has engaged with Lithuanian diplomats to explore ways to ease restrictions on Belarusian goods. This push follows the collapse of US-Canadian trade negotiations and aims to reduce reliance on Canadian suppliers, as potash is critical for US agriculture. Trump has indicated that a deal could offer lower prices for farmers compared to current Canadian rates. However, Lithuania has consistently rejected these requests, citing legal and moral implications of violating EU sanctions. The sanctions, which prohibit both imports and transit of Belarusian goods, are due for renewal in February 2027. Lithuania's government remains firm in its stance against resuming transit of Belarusian potash.