Belarus Sees 800,000 T in '08 Potash Export to U.S.

Belarussian Potash Company will increase exports of the mined fertilser to the United States to 800,000 tonnes this year against the 500,000-700,000 tonnes of previous years, the firm's director said on Tuesday.

The company, a 50-50 joint venture between Belaruskali and Russia's Uralkali (URKA.MM: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), is the world's biggest potash exporter.

In July, the company announced a contract with the United States for 30,000 tonnes at $1,000 per tonne and later a 40,000 tonne deal with Sri Lanka for a record price of $1,050.

"According to our analysts, in the next five-to-seven years, demand for potash fertiliser will rise significantly in North America, which makes the market in the region very attractive for our company," General Director Vladimir Nikolaenko told journalists.

The company exported about 12 million tonnes of potash last year to 45 countries, including China, India and countries in Latin America.

(Reporting by Andrei Makhovsky; writing by Sabina Zawadzki)