Orlene considers that the EU CBAM mechanics can be a good tool for protecting the European market. In practice, however, as the company's representatives indicate, the fresh rules are frequently circumvented and request to be refined.
– The CBAM mechanics can be a good strategy for protecting the marketplace and European industry. However, we do not see the full results of its operation. Regulations are underworked, says Witold Literary, Orlen's corporate vice president.
What is CBAM
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is simply a mechanics introduced by European Commission. It is intended to offset the costs of CO2 emissions between EU and non-EU producers. Includes selected goods imported into the Union, including fertilisers, cement, iron and steel, aluminium, electricity and hydrogen.
The aim is to reduce the alleged carbon leakage. It is simply a situation where companies decision production to countries with little restrictive climate policy and then sale goods on the EU market. The CBAM is intended to make imported products besides bear the cost of emissions.
Fertiliser problems
According to Orlen, the mechanics is not effective adequate in the fertiliser sector. The company points to a large influx of products from Russia and Belarus.
From data Eurostat It appears that in the 3rd 4th of 2025 Russia was the second largest supplier of fertilizers to the EU. Its share of imports outside the Community was 13%, although the 4th previously exceeded 33%.
Some fertilisers from Russia and Belarus, including nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, were not subject to any restrictions or duties until mid last year. Only later did the Union introduce additional fees and checks.
According to Witold Literary, the influx of cheaper fertilizers produced outside EU climate standards hits European plants, including Anwil belonging to the Orlen Group. In his opinion, limiting imports from the East could strengthen the EU chemical industry.
Drop of imports and dispute over causes
Data from the European Commission show that imports of fertilisers into the EU fell from nearly 2.5 million tonnes in January 2025 to 1.1 million tonnes in January 2026. Agricultural organisations indicate that this is the consequence of the introduction of fees under CBAM.
In turn, Fertilizers Europe estimates that respective factors have influenced the decline, including a very advanced fertiliser influx in December 2025.
The Polish Chamber of Chemical manufacture besides draws attention to the hazard of circumvention. It calls for stronger control and more effective verification mechanisms.
Not for the energy tax?
The typical of Orlen points out that CBAM should not cover all sectors. In his opinion, the inclusion of oil or gas could translate into higher prices for consumers.
– This tool must be utilized wisely. In any industries it should work more effectively, in others it should not be introduced at all," says Witold Literacki.
Concerns about the effectiveness of the strategy are besides raised by cement industry. The Cement Producers Association estimates that 1.7 million tonnes of imported cement could have been exported to Poland last year, including about 1 million tonnes from Ukraine.
The debate on the future of CBAM was 1 of the topics of the event “Poland 2026th Horizon of Change” organised by the European Commission, European Parliament And Newseria. manufacture believes that the mechanics can be an effective shield for the European economy, but it needs to be sealed and better adapted to marketplace realities.
