The European Parliament has adopted a new package of measures regarding trade with Russia and Belarus aimed at significantly restricting their access to the European Union market
Special attention is given to agricultural products, particularly fertilizers, which remain one of the key tools in the fight against Russian agricultural expansion. According to the decision approved on May 22 in Brussels, the European Parliament will introduce substantial increases in customs duties and tariffs on the import of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products. This aims to make the importation of these goods into the EU economically unviable, ultimately leading to an halt in their flow into EU territory. The document, titled "Amendment of import duty rates on certain goods originating from or exported directly or via intermediaries from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus," will enter into force immediately after official approval by the EU Council and publication in the relevant official sources. As explained in the explanatory note to the document, this regulation will enable the full ban of market access within the EU for over 15% of agricultural goods that were previously listed with lower tariffs. For the remaining products, new high customs rates will be set, effectively eliminating any economic incentives to reroute Russian products into the EU. Specifically, for agricultural commodities such as grains, the tariff increases envisage a 50% ad valorem duty hike. This means Russian and Belarusian exporters will have to pay 50% more when importing their goods into the EU. Regarding fertilizers, the situation is particularly tense. On the existing 6.5% ad valorem duty, a special specific duty will be added, which will increase annually by approximately 40-45 euros per ton. As a result, three years after the regulation's implementation, tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will reach levels from 315 to 430 euros per ton depending on the type. This is a prohibitively high level that will effectively stop the import of these goods from Russia and Belarus. The goal of this strict package of measures is to adjust the EU's dependence on Russian and Belarusian agricultural resources, as well as to prevent circumvention of sanctions through third countries, notably Belarus. According to the authors of the resolution, sharply increasing tariffs stimulates substitution of Russian fertilizers and products with other sources. Some EU member states have already effectively ceased imports of Russian nitrogen fertilizers without experiencing shortages or rapid price increases, which indicates the possibility of swiftly redirecting supplies from Russia to alternative producers. Overall, for Europe's agricultural sector, the new policy means not only combating supplies from the aggressor but also preparing for increased domestic fertilizer production within the EU. This will serve as a response to the energy crisis that has significantly complicated production in the region, as well as the pressure from Russian imports, which for a long time increased competition and stabilized prices. Additionally, within the framework of the new restrictive measures, the EU actively proposes alternative sources of nitrogen fertilizer supplies — Egypt, Algeria, Norway, Morocco, Oman, and the USA. This will help reduce dependence on Russia and ensure a stable balance in the internal market. According to information, tariffs on the majority of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, especially grains, will already be extended to the entire EU territory starting from July 2024. This is in response to ongoing calls by Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic countries for a complete ban on imports to help reduce Russian influence in Europe’s agricultural sector. Overall, the adoption of this resolution reflects the EU’s tactical and strategic approach to countering Russian aggression—particularly through economic tools. It is not just about economic sanctions but a comprehensive policy to eliminate Russia’s ability to use the agricultural sector as an instrument of political and economic pressure. In the context of global sanctions mechanisms, European policymakers emphasize that their aim is to compel Russia and its allies to change their policies by using the most stringent and effective measures. According to experts, sanctions, especially regarding agricultural imports, are a modern weapon in diplomatic and economic struggle with the aggressor country, with the potential to significantly reduce its influence and force a reconsideration of its strategies in the conflict with Ukraine and the West.