The European Commission has proposed tariffs on certain agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, along with specific nitrogen-based fertilisers. These products represent 15% of agricultural imports from Russia in 2023 that haven’t faced increased tariffs. If approved by the European Parliament and the Council, all agricultural imports from Russia will be subject to EU tariffs.
The goal is to reduce reliance on these imports, which can compromise EU food security. The tariffs aim to bolster domestic production and the EU’s fertiliser industry, which has been struggling due to the energy crisis while allowing for increased supply diversity.
The proposal also includes measures to address potential fertiliser price increases for EU farmers. While these tariffs could reduce Russian export revenues, Russian agricultural and fertiliser exports to third countries remain unaffected. Similarly, the transit of these products through the EU is not impacted, aligning with the EU’s commitment to global food security. The proposal includes mitigating measures should EU farmers see a substantial increase in fertiliser prices.
The tariffs are expected to impact Russian export revenues negatively, thus impacting Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine.
“These tariffs are carefully calibrated to serve multiple goals. We aim to weaken further Russia’s war economy, while reducing EU dependencies, supporting our industry, and preserving global food security. We will take every step necessary to protect our fertilisers industry and farmers,” Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, said.
The European Parliament and the Council will consider the Commission’s proposal through qualified majority voting under Article 207 of the TFEU.
