EP approves new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods

RIGA - The European Parliament on Thursday backed increased tariffs on fertilizers and certain Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods, seeking to reduce EU dependency on those imports, LETA was informed by the EP press secretary in Latvia Kristine Liepina.

The EP Plenary has endorsed the Commission proposal to increase by 50 percent EU tariffs on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to extra customs duties. The aim is to reduce EU dependence on the two countries still further. Products to be hit by the new tariffs include sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

The text also provides for a 6.5 percent tariff on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, plus duties of between EUR 40 and EUR 45 per ton for the 2025-2026 period. These tariffs will rise to EUR 430 per ton by 2028. Income from the sale of Russian and Belarussian fertilizers is considered to be contributing directly to the war against Ukraine.

The proposed measures will reduce EU imports of the goods concerned significantly, whether they originate in the two countries or are exported directly or indirectly by them. It is expected that this will result in further diversification of EU fertilizer production, currently impacted by the low prices of imports.

The legislation also tasks the Commission with monitoring price increases and any possible damage to the internal market or the EU agriculture sector, and with taking action to mitigate the impact.

The regulation was adopted by 411 votes in favor and 100 against, with 78 abstentions.

"The regulation gradually increasing customs duties for products from Russia and Belarus will help to prevent Russia from using the EU market to finance its war machine. It is not acceptable that three years after Russia launched its full-scale war, the EU is still buying critical products in large volumes, in fact, these imports have risen significantly. The proposal will boost EU fertilizer production, which has taken a hit from cheap Russian imports, while giving farmers time to adjust. Importantly, the proposal also includes monitoring provisions enabling the Commission to follow the fertilizer market closely and take action if prices shoot up," the standing rapporteur for Russia, MEP Inese Vaidere (New Unity), emphasized.

Imports into the EU of urea and nitrogen-based fertilizers from Russia, already high in 2023, rose significantly in 2024. According to the Commission, imports of the fertilizers covered by this regulation reflect a situation of economic dependence on Russia. If left unchecked, the situation could harm EU food security and, in the case of fertilizers in particular, leave the Union vulnerable to possible coercive measures by Russia.