European Parliament approves new tariffs on agricultural imports from Russia, Belarus

BRUSSELS, May 22 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament voted on Thursday in favor of imposing additional customs duties on fertilizers and certain agricultural products imported from Russia and Belarus, in a move aimed at reducing the European Union's dependence on imports from these countries amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Parliament members approved the European Commission's proposal to increase customs tariffs by 50 percent on a number of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products that were not previously subject to additional duties. These products include sugar, vinegar, flour, and animal feed.
The Parliament also approved a 6.5 percent tariff on fertilizer imports from Russia and Belarus, in addition to duties ranging from EUR 40 to EUR 45 per ton for the 2025-2026 period. These duties will gradually rise to EUR 430 per ton by 2028.
According to the Commission, the financial revenues from Russian fertilizer exports are being used to fund Russian military operations in Ukraine, making the imposition of these tariffs an economic tool to pressure Moscow.
These measures are expected to significantly reduce EU imports of agricultural products and fertilizers from Russia and Belarus, whether directly exported or via third countries. They are also expected to encourage diversification in the EU's fertilizer production, which currently suffers from the competitive pricing of Russian imports.
The legislation mandates the European Commission to monitor price developments in the EU market, assess any potential harm to the internal market or agricultural sector, and take appropriate measures to mitigate any negative impacts if necessary.
The legislation was adopted by a majority of 411 votes in favor, 100 against, with 78 abstentions.
The new tariffs on the remaining agricultural products listed in Annex I of the legislation will take effect four weeks after the law enters into force.
EU imports of nitrogen-based fertilizers, particularly urea from Russia, saw a significant increase in 2024, after already being high in 2023.
According to the Commission, this growing economic dependence poses a threat to the EU's food security and exposes the Union to potential economic coercion by Russia, prompting the introduction of this legislation on January 28, 2025. (end) arn.gta