EU: tariffs increase on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers

MEPs on the International Trade Committee have backed a European Commission proposal to increase EU tariffs by 50% on agricultural products produced by Russia and Belarus, which are still exempt from other import duties. The aim is to further reduce both countries' dependence on the EU. Among the products affected by the new rules are sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed. The approved text also includes a 6.5% tax on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, as well as an additional tax of 40 to 45 euros per ton for the period 2025-2026. These rates will gradually increase until they reach 430 euros per tonne in 2028. Revenues from Russian and Belarusian fertilizers are considered to directly contribute to financing the war against Ukraine. The proposed measures will significantly reduce imports into the EU of products originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia and Belarus. This should encourage further diversification of fertilizer production in the EU, ...