EU considering tariffs on grain imports from Russian and Belarus – FT

In the coming days, the European Commission is going to impose a duty of 95 euros per ton on grain imports from Russia and Belarus, writes the Financial Times with reference to informed sources.

This will lead to a price increase of at least 50%.

In addition, the European Commission may introduce additional duties on oil seeds and their derivatives.

Last year, Russia delivered 4 million tons of this product to the EU, which is approximately 1% of the total European demand, the FT notes.

Previously, Latvia unilaterally refused to purchase many food products from Russia and Belarus, and Lithuania announced strict inspections of such cargoes.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also warned that his country may introduce a ban on the import of grain and other crops from Russia, following Latvia. At the same time, he said that the Polish government "would like a joint decision, at the level of the entire EU, regarding sanctions on agricultural and food products from Russia and Belarus."

The European Union is a net exporter of grain and oil crops. Its own production is approximately 300 million tons per year, so it has no special need for agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.

Ukraine's Trade Representative Taras Kachka previously said that Ukraine is ready to agree to trade restrictions with the EU to resolve a political dispute with Poland if the EU restricts grain imports from Russia.