The International Trade Committee has endorsed a proposal to increase tariffs on specific Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods by 50%. This move is aimed at further reducing the European Union’s dependency on these countries. The products affected include sugars, vinegar, flour, and animal feed.
Additionally, the approved text outlines a 6.5% tariff on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, along with duties ranging from €40 to €45 per tonne for the period of 2025-2026. These duties are expected to rise to €430 per tonne by 2028. The revenue generated from Russian and Belarusian fertilizers is considered as directly contributing to the conflict in Ukraine.
These measures are anticipated to significantly decrease imports into the EU of goods originating from or exported via Russia and Belarus. This should lead to greater diversification in EU fertilizer production, which has been impacted by low-priced imports.
The legislation also assigns the Commission with the responsibility of monitoring price increases that could negatively affect the internal market and agriculture sector within the EU.
The draft regulation received support with 29 votes in favor, six against, and two abstentions.
Inese Vaidere (EPP, LV), standing rapporteur for Russia, stated: “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. 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.”
Vaidere added that this proposal would enhance EU fertilizer production while allowing farmers time to adjust.
The proposal will be put forward for a vote during Parliament’s next plenary session scheduled for May 22 in Brussels.
Imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilizers from Russia into the EU saw a significant rise in 2024 following already high levels in 2023. According to the Commission, these imports indicate economic dependence on Russia which could potentially threaten EU food security and expose it to coercive actions by Russia. To address these concerns, tariffs were proposed on January 28, 2025.
