Latvia plans 300% tariff on grain from Russia and Belarus

Latvia’s government plans to impose a 300% tariff on grain arriving from Russia and Belarus, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said. The new restrictions could significantly complicate the use of Latvia as a route for Russian grain exports.

Russian exporters use Latvian territory and ports to transit grain to international markets. The issue of tighter restrictions has become particularly relevant as Russia redirects more cargo to Baltic routes amid disruptions to shipments through the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Latvia and Lithuania said last week that they were considering ending the transit of Russian grain through their ports. A high tariff could effectively restrict one of the alternative export routes currently available to Russian exporters.

Baltic routes are becoming increasingly important for Russia, as 46.3 mln tons of grain were exported through Black Sea and Azov Sea ports in the 2025/26 season. These ports accounted for around 90% of Russia’s total seaborne grain exports.

A potential 300% tariff in Latvia would therefore increase pressure on Russian grain logistics at a time when options for redirecting cargo are limited. If transit through the Baltic states declines, Russian exporters will have to increasingly seek other routes to supply grain to global markets.

Tags: Latvia, export tariffs, Russia, grain, Belarus