EU imposes strict tariffs on Russian agricultural products – a painful step!

EU imposes strict tariffs on Russian agricultural products – a painful step!

The European Union plans to impose additional tariffs on fertilizers and food from Russia and Belarus. At a meeting in Luxembourg, the majority of member states agreed on this plan, which had already been approved by the European Parliament. The aim of these measures is to make it significantly more difficult to finance Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine Mercury reported.

Central agricultural products such as sugar, vinegar, flour, animal feed and nitrogen and urea-based fertilizers are affected. The new tariff rates currently account for around 15 percent of all agricultural imports from Russia, with fertilizers already accounting for around a quarter of the affected imports in 2023, which corresponds to a total value of 1.28 billion euros.

Gradual introduction of tariffs

The tariff increases on fertilizers are to be phased in gradually over three years. From July 2025, the duty will be between 40 and 45 euros per ton, depending on the type of product. These taxes will increase to 315 to 430 euros per ton by 2028. The basic taxes initially amount to 6.5 percent, with fees increasing annually Food practice supplemented.

The EU also warns that Russia could potentially use its market power as leverage to put pressure on the European market. In anticipation of brutal air strikes on major Ukrainian cities and as part of a comprehensive sanctions package that also covers the energy and financial sectors, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European heads of state and government have already threatened tougher sanctions.

The new measures are part of the EU's ongoing effort to reduce Russia's influence and firmly counter its aggressive foreign policy. The gradual implementation of tariffs will play a crucial role in further weakening Russia's economic base and ultimately furthering the goal of stabilization in the region.