The European Union has approved new tariffs on food products and fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, which were previously exempt from any tariffs. This decision was made by the EU Council, and the new trade restrictions will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
This is reported by Finway
New Restrictions for Agricultural Imports from Russia and Belarus
According to the Euro Council, these measures are aimed at reducing the EU countries’ dependence on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus, as well as decreasing the financial revenues to the Russian Federation that are used to support aggression against Ukraine. Special emphasis is placed on the gradual introduction of increased tariffs on Russian and Belarusian nitrogen fertilizers: a three-year transitional period is planned for them.
“New tariffs will be applied to agricultural products, which accounted for 15 percent of all agricultural imports from Russia to the EU in 2023,” the statement notes.
Increase in Tariffs and Exceptions for Transit
Over the course of three years, tariffs on products such as sugar, vinegar, flour, and animal feed coming from Russia are set to increase. This means that all categories of agricultural imports from Russia will be subject to tariffs.
Regarding fertilizers, starting in 2025, a 6.5% tariff will be imposed on supplies from Russia and Belarus, along with additional fees of 40-45 euros per ton during 2025-2026. By 2028, these tariffs will rise to 430 euros per ton.
At the same time, the new rules do not apply to products that are transported in transit through the EU to third countries. As emphasized by the European Commission, this ensures compliance with the EU’s commitments to global food security.