Higher tariffs push Russian grain out of EU markets

Russia has nearly ceased grain exports to the European Union after the bloc introduced higher import tariffs.  

In September, Russian grain exports to EU countries amounted to just €21,000. This sharp decline follows the EU's decision to impose increased tariffs on grain, oilseeds, and related products from Russia and Belarus, effective July 1, Caliber.Az reports, citing Eurostat data. 

Before the tariff hike, European nations were stockpiling Russian grain. Imports surged in June, nearly doubling from €6.5 million to €11.8 million. However, following the tariff introduction, imports dropped to €2.9 million in July and €3.7 million in August.  

On November 18, Peter Stano, a spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy service, stated that the EU might consider lifting sanctions on Russia, but only after the conflict in Ukraine concludes.  

In late May 2024, the European Council adopted a regulation that aims to levy prohibitive tariffs on grain products imported from Russia and Belarus. The regulation increases duties on cereals, oilseeds and derived products from Russia and Belarus to a point that will in practice halt imports of these products.

The regulation increases import tariffs for cereals, oilseeds and derived products as well as beet-pulp pellets and dried peas from Russia, as well as from Belarus, for which, at present, importers pay no or low tariffs.

By Khagan Isayev