BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is strengthening agricultural trade cooperation with the Russian Federation after high-level discussions confirmed Russia’s readiness to export urea fertilizer and support expanded bilateral trade.
On April 13, 2026, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungreangkit met with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maxim Markovich in Russia to discuss expanding trade between Thailand and Russia. Bilateral trade now totals approximately 1.6 billion USD, but both sides agreed this does not yet reflect the full potential, especially in agriculture and food.
Thailand expressed interest in importing 1–2 million tons of granular urea fertilizer annually, with specifications of 2.5–5 mm, and requested a preferential price. If approved, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will coordinate with the Russian Ambassador to Thailand to facilitate private-sector business matching, aiming to begin exports by May 2026.
Thailand also proposed forming a joint working group to address outstanding trade issues, including key commodities and technical and scientific cooperation. The group aims to streamline import and export processes within three months.
Deputy Prime Minister Patrushev confirmed Russia’s agreement to form the joint working group and support long-term trade expansion. He stated that Russia is prepared to supply mineral fertilizers, including nitrogen-based urea, with companies such as PhosAgro and UralChem interested in long-term contracts.
Both sides agreed that pricing and technical specifications will be finalized through private-sector discussions. The Russian Ambassador to Thailand, Evgeny Tomikhin, will serve as the coordinating representative for Russia. (NNT)
