EU imposes new tariffs on russian and belarusian agricultural imports

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The European Council has adopted a regulation introducing new tariffs on the remaining agricultural products and certain fertilisers from russia and belarus that had not previously been subject to additional duties. The move is aimed at reducing the EU's dependence on these imports and cutting Russia’s export revenues, thereby limiting its ability to fund its war of aggression against Ukraine.

According to the Council’s official press release, the new tariffs will help weaken russia’s war economy while also ensuring that the EU fertiliser industry and farmers remain protected. Tariff increases on fertilisers will be introduced gradually over a three-year transition period.

“Poland’s Presidency motto is ‘Security, Europe!’, and these measures strengthen our economic security by reducing dependencies on russia,” said Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, responsible for trade. “We are further reducing Russia’s export revenues and, in doing so, its capacity to finance its brutal war. This is united Europe at its best.”

Once the regulation enters into force—expected by 1 July 2025—EU tariffs will apply to all agricultural products from Russia, as other such goods are already subject to customs duties.

The new measures will cover goods that accounted for around 15% of the EU’s agricultural imports from Russia in 2023, including certain nitrogen-based fertilisers.

In addition to undermining russia’s war economy, the regulation aims to reduce EU dependence on Russian and Belarusian supplies, support diversification of imports, and boost domestic production. These actions will help secure a stable supply of fertilisers for EU farmers while maintaining affordability.


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