MEPs in the International Trade Committee have backed a Commission proposal to increase EU tariffs by 50% on those agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that are still excluded from other customs duties. The aim is to reduce EU dependency on the two countries still further. Products to be hit by the new tariffs include sugars, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

The approved text also provides for a 6.5% tariff on fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus, plus €40 to €45 in duties per tonne for the 2025-2026 period. The latter duties would rise to €430 per tonne by 2028. Income from Russian and Belarusian fertilisers is seen as contributing directly to the war against Ukraine.

The proposed measures will significantly reduce imports into the EU of the goods concerned originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia and Belarus. This should result in further diversification of EU fertiliser production, a sector that is currently suffering from the low prices of imported goods.

The legislation also tasks the Commission with monitoring and acting to mitigate price increases that could damage the internal market and the EU agriculture sector.

The draft regulation was adopted by 29 votes in favour, 6 against and 2 abstentions.

The standing rapporteur for Russia Inese Vaidere (EPP, LV) said: "This regulation to gradually increase customs duties for products from Russia and Belarus will help to prevent Russia from using the EU market to finance its war machine. It is not acceptable that three years after Russia launched its full-scale war, the EU is still buying critical products in large volumes; in fact, these imports have significantly increased.

The proposal will also boost EU fertiliser production, which has taken a hit from cheap Russian imports, while giving farmers time to adjust.”

The proposal will now be put to a vote in Parliament’s next plenary session, which will take place in Brussels, on Thursday 22 May.

Imports into the EU of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia, already high in 2023, increased significantly in 2024. According to the Commission, imports of the fertilisers covered by this regulation reflect a situation of economic dependence on Russia. If left unchecked, the situation could harm EU food security and, especially in the case of fertilisers, make the EU vulnerable to possible coercive measures by Russia.

To tackle these issues, on 28 January 2025, the Commission presented its proposal to impose tariffs on fertilisers and certain agricultural products originating in Russia and Belarus.