European Parliament backs new tariffs on Belarusian and Russian agricultural goods

On 15 May, the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament backed the European Commission’s proposal to increase EU tariffs by 50% on those agricultural products from Belarus and Russia that are still excluded from other customs duties. Products to be hit by the new tariffs include sugars, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

The approved text also provides for a 6.5% tariff on fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus, plus €40 to €45 in duties per tonne for the 2025-2026 period. The latter duties would rise to €430 per tonne by 2028. 

“This regulation to gradually increase customs duties for products from Russia and Belarus will help to prevent Russia from using the EU market to finance its war machine,” the standing rapporteur for Russia Inese Vaidere (EPP, LV) said. “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 significantly increased.” 

She added that the proposal would also boost EU fertiliser production, which has taken a hit from cheap Russian imports, while giving farmers time to adjust.

The proposal will now be put to a vote in Parliament’s next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels, on 22 May.

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