Ban on import of agricultural and feed products from aggressor states to be extended until July 2027

RIGA - Saeima Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee on Tuesday decided to forward to Saeima amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development, proposed by the Agriculture Ministry, which provide for extending the ban on import of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus until July 1, 2027.

The committee decided that the bill would be reviewed in a fast-track procedure or in two readings at Saeima.

The Agriculture Ministry's report on the impact of the ban on imports of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus in Latvia, presented to the government on March 3, concludes that imports of these products have decreased significantly.

Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze (Greens/Farmers) stressed that Latvia must not be dependent on products of aggressor countries. "The results so far show that the decisions taken are justified and should be continued," said the minister.

The Agriculture Ministry points out that Russia's war in Ukraine continues and Latvia, as a border country, particularly feels the need to strengthen its security. National security is not only a military issue - it also includes economic security and the ability to avoid dependence on goods from aggressor countries.

The ministry explains that Latvia banned imports of certain Russian and Belarusian agricultural products on March 8, 2024. This included a ban on import of agricultural and animal feed products from Russia and Belarus, as well as imports of agricultural and animal feed products from other third countries that originate from Russia and Belarus. The ban does not apply to transit and deliveries to other European Union member countries.

In turn, the EU substantially increased customs tariffs on agricultural, food products and certain fertilizers of Russian and Belarusian origin in two stages in 2024 and 2025. This has further reduced the flow of these goods to the European market.

The Agriculture Ministry's assessment of the impact of the ban concludes that imports of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus have declined significantly and steadily. In Latvia, imports from Russia fell 30 percent in the first 11 months of 2024 and a further 85 percent in the first 11 months of 2025. Imports from Belarus, on the other hand, fell 12 percent and 55 percent respectively. A similar trend can be observed in the EU as a whole.

The Agriculture Ministry concludes that Latvia's import ban, together with the increased EU customs tariffs, is working and significantly reduces market presence of products from the aggressor countries.

At the same time, the ministry concludes that the restrictions have not had a negative impact on availability of food in Latvia and that Latvia is able to fully supply itself with the main agricultural products.

In 2024, Latvia's self-sufficiency for grain stood at 310 percent, for beef and beef products - 261 percent, for eggs - 180 percent, for milk and milk products - 139 percent, and for sheep and goat meat - 113 percent. This means that food availability in Latvia is not at risk and people can rely on local producers for their food.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers' Regulation on Russian and Belarusian agricultural and feed products banned for import into Latvia stipulates that the ban applies to potatoes, tomatoes, various types of onions, garlic, brassicas, lettuce, carrots, turnips, beetroots, oats, celery, radishes and similar root vegetables, cucumbers and gherkins, legumes and other fresh vegetables.

Latvia also no longer imports Russian and Belarusian nuts, bananas, dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, citrus fruits, melons, pears, quinces, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums and blueberries, including frozen, canned and dried nut and fruit products.

Wheat and mixtures of wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, rice, buckwheat and other cereals are also not imported from Russia and Belarus.

Imports of Russian and Belarusian meat and offal products, fish and crustaceans, mollusks, bran, starch residues, sugar cane bagasse, oil cakes of soya beans, peanut oil, cottonseed, linseed, rapeseed, coconuts or palm nuts are also banned.

Pomace, grape materials and byproducts used in animal feed are also not imported in Latvia from Russia and Belarus.