Latvian imports of Russian grain have increased sharply

This year, Latvia has seen a sharp increase in grain imports from Russia. Imports of corn have increased especially. This was reported by Tvnet.lv.

The European Union has imposed large-scale sanctions on Russia, but they do not apply to agricultural exports. In turn, the export of Ukrainian agricultural products is significantly hampered, as Russia blocks the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports.

Studies show that Russia is using this situation to its advantage. For example, Russian wheat now accounts for 24% of global wheat exports, compared to 16% of the market before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In early October, the State Security Service confirmed that the increase in grain and pea imports from Russia had attracted its attention, but could not comment further on the matter.

According to the Central Statistical Office, this year four Latvian companies imported corn from Russia, five companies imported peas, and six companies purchased oilcake.

“In the first eight months of this year, EU member states imported 31% more wheat and corn from Russia compared to the same period last year. This is equivalent to an increase of 739 thousand tons. Currently, the largest importers of Russian grain to the EU are Latvia, Italy and Greece, with Latvia showing the highest growth rates,” the report says.

Tags: Russia, grain, Latvia