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On Thursday, the European Parliament approved a European Commission proposal to increase EU tariffs by 50% on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to additional duties. The move aims to further reduce the EU’s dependence on imports from these countries in light of ongoing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Products affected by the new tariffs include sugar, vinegar, flour, and animal feed.
The regulation also introduces a 6.5% tariff on fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus, along with additional duties ranging from €40 to €45 per tonne during the 2025–2026 period. These duties will gradually rise to €430 per tonne by 2028. Revenues from fertiliser sales are considered to directly support Russia’s war effort, prompting the EU to act.
The proposed measures apply not only to direct imports from these countries but also to goods exported indirectly. The regulation is expected to significantly reduce such imports and encourage diversification within the EU’s fertiliser production sector, which has been pressured by low-priced Russian imports.
The law includes provisions for the European Commission to monitor price developments and any potential negative impacts on the internal market or the EU’s agricultural sector, with authority to intervene if necessary.
The legislation passed with 411 votes in favour, 100 against, and 78 abstentions. With this first reading complete, the Council must now formally adopt the regulation, which will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal. For listed agricultural goods, the regulation will apply four weeks after that date.
May 22, 2025 / European Parliament / European Union.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu
