- Imposition of a 50 percent tariff on the remaining 15 percent of agricultural products exempt from customs duties;
- Gradual tariff increase on fertilisers;
- Objective to diversify EU fertiliser production;
- Commission tasked with mitigating impacts of price hikes.
BRUSSELS, Belgium – Members of the European Parliament (MEP) from the International Trade Committee have endorsed a proposal to impose a 50 percent tariff on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that remain exempt from existing customs duties.
This measure aims to further reduce the EU’s reliance on these nations. Affected products include sugars, vinegar, flour, and animal feed.
The approved legislation also introduces a 6.5 percent tariff on fertilisers imported from these countries, with duties ranging from €40 to €45 per tonne during the 2025-2026 period, escalating to €430 per tonne by 2028. Revenue generated from Russian and Belarusian fertilisers is viewed as financially supporting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The proposed measures are set to significantly lower imports of targeted goods originating from or exported by Russia and Belarus, leading to an increased diversification of EU fertiliser production, a sector currently impacted by low prices from imports.
The legislation requires the Commission to monitor and mitigate price surges that could adversely affect the internal market and the EU agriculture sector.
The draft regulation received 29 votes in favor, with 6 against and 2 abstentions.
The standing rapporteur for Russia stated:
“This regulation, aimed at gradually increasing customs duties on products from Russia and Belarus, is crucial in preventing these nations from using the EU market to fund their military actions. It is unacceptable that, three years post-invasion, the EU continues to import critical products in substantial volumes, with those imports actually increasing. This proposal will also bolster EU fertiliser production, which has suffered due to the influx of inexpensive Russian imports, while allowing farmers the necessary time to adapt.”
Next steps
The proposal is slated for a vote during the upcoming plenary session in Brussels on Thursday, May 22.
