On Friday, the European Commission proposed imposing tariffs on grain imports from Russia and Belarus. The aim is to alleviate concerns about the effects of inexpensive imports on EU farmers and to restrict the financial resources available to Moscow and its ally amid the conflict in Ukraine.
The Commission states that these tariffs are designed to prevent potential market destabilization within the EU, diminish Russia's ability to finance its military actions in Ukraine, and restrict its trade of grain purportedly taken from Ukrainian territories.
Transit of grain through the bloc to other countries would still be allowed so as not to disturb global supplies, the Commission said.
Traders said earlier this week that Russian and Belarusian shipments to the bloc are low, certainly relative to those from Ukraine, and that the imposition of tariffs was largely symbolic.
However, the Commission said there was a risk imports could increase, given that Russian overall wheat exports had risen to 50 million tonnes from the usual 35 million tonnes.
The tariffs will amount to EUR 95 per tonne for cereals and 50% for oilseeds. They can be implemented after receiving approval from EU governments.
This proposal coincides with discussions among EU leaders regarding farmers’ grievances over environmental regulations and the suspension of tariffs on agricultural imports from Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022.
France and Poland have criticized a provisional deal reached on Wednesday to extend tariff-free access for another year, which includes new restrictions on certain food products.
Transit of grain through the bloc to other countries would still be allowed so as not to disturb global supplies, the Commission said.
Traders said earlier this week that Russian and Belarusian shipments to the bloc are low, certainly relative to those from Ukraine, and that the imposition of tariffs was largely symbolic.
However, the Commission said there was a risk imports could increase, given that Russian overall wheat exports had risen to 50 million tonnes from the usual 35 million tonnes.
The tariffs will amount to EUR 95 per tonne for cereals and 50% for oilseeds. They can be implemented after receiving approval from EU governments.
This proposal coincides with discussions among EU leaders regarding farmers’ grievances over environmental regulations and the suspension of tariffs on agricultural imports from Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022.
France and Poland have criticized a provisional deal reached on Wednesday to extend tariff-free access for another year, which includes new restrictions on certain food products.
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