The European Commission proposes to increase tariffs on agricultural goods from Russia and Belarus

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to impose tariffs on a number of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.

The tariff increases will also apply to some nitrogen fertilizers from these countries, the European Commission website says.

The agricultural products subject to the new tariffs represent 15% of agricultural imports from Russia in 2023 that were not yet subject to increased tariffs. Once adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, all agricultural imports from Russia will be subject to EU tariffs.

The aim of the proposal is to reduce dependence on imports from Russia and Belarus. Such imports, in particular of fertilizers, make the EU vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus pose a risk to EU food security, the statement said.

The tariffs will also support the growth of domestic production and the EU fertilizer industry, which has suffered during the energy crisis. It will also allow for the diversification of supplies from third countries. The increase in tariffs will help ensure a steady supply of fertilizers and, most importantly, ensure that fertilizers are available to EU farmers at an affordable price.

“The tariffs are expected to negatively impact Russian export revenues, thus affecting Russia’s ability to wage an aggressive war against Ukraine,” the European Commission said.

Russian exports of agricultural products and fertilizers to third countries remain unchanged.

USM previously reported that EU countries are proposing to increase tariffs on products and fertilizers from Russia and Belarus.