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EU to “impose tariffs” on Russian grain imports

The EU plans to levy tariffs on grain imports from Russia and Belarus to placate farmers and member states, FT reports citing its sources.

byYuri Zoria

19/03/2024

2 minute read

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Flags of the European Union, illustrative image. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Thijs ter Haar.

EU to “impose tariffs” on Russian grain imports

The EU is set to impose tariffs on grain imports from Russia and Belarus to appease farmers and some member states, marking the first restriction on food products since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Financial Times reports, citing people familiar with the plans.

Czechia to propose ban on Russian grain imports into EU

Brussels has long resisted calls from Poland and the Baltic states to limit imports from Russia and Belarus, citing potential disruptions to global food markets and adverse effects on developing nations.

However, sources familiar with the plans indicate that the European Commission is expected to soon impose a €95-per-tonne duty on cereals from Russia and Belarus, which could increase prices by at least 50%, effectively eliminating demand. Additionally, tariffs of 50% would be applied to oil seeds and their derivatives.

In 2023, EU imports from Russia of the affected products reached a record 4 million tonnes, accounting for 1% of overall EU consumption.

Earlier, Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced that the Czech Republic will propose a ban on importing Russian and Belarusian grain into the EU at the upcoming European Council meeting.

In 2023, Russia and Belarus exported agricultural products worth $173 million to Poland, surpassing pre-2022 levels. Despite a block on Ukrainian grain and oilseed imports since September 2023, imports from Russia and Belarus more than doubled.