EU set to impose 50% grain tariffs on Russia and Belarus

A major EU tariff is due to be imposed on imports of cereals and oilseeds from Russia and Belarus if a new EU Commission proposal is adopted.

A duty of either 50% or €95/t (£81/t) could be introduced, which is forecast to result in 5m tonnes less grain being imported by the EU from Russia and Belarus each year.

By comparison, the UK has a 35% tariff on imported Russian grains, which has been in place since 1 June 2022.

See also: EU plans more tariff concessions for Ukraine despite protests

The proposal is designed to prevent EU market destabilisation, tackle Russian exports of illegally appropriated grain, and prevent Russia from using revenues from exports to the EU.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “We propose the imposition of tariffs on these Russian imports to mitigate the growing risk to our markets and our farmers.

“They will reduce Russia’s capacity to exploit the EU for the benefit of its war machine. And we maintain our commitment to preserving global food security, especially for developing countries.

“We are striking the right balance between supporting our economy and farming communities. At the same time, we maintain our unyielding support for Ukraine.”

The EU Commission suggested that shortfalls in supply will be filled partially by domestic production, and partially by imports from other countries such as Brazil, the US, Argentina, Ukraine, and Serbia.

The proposal will now be considered by the EU Council.

In 2023, the EU imported roughly 37m tonnes and 39m tonnes of cereals and oilseed products respectively, with Russia accounting for 4.2m tonnes overall and Belarus 610,000t.