EU Approves Prohibitive Tariffs on Russian Agricultural Products and Fertilizers

The European Parliament has adopted a new regulation imposing sharply increased tariffs on agricultural products and fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, effectively shutting their access to the EU market, The Gaze reports, citing European Pravda.

The regulation, officially titled “Amendment of Import Duty Rates on Certain Goods Originating or Exported Directly or Indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus”, was passed on May 22 in Brussels. The aim is to eliminate dependency on Russian imports and prevent circumvention through Belarus.

“The regulation will prevent certain agricultural goods and fertilizers originating or exported directly or indirectly from Russia and Belarus from accessing the EU market on terms as favorable as those applied to similar imports from other countries,” states the explanatory note attached to the legislation.

Once formally approved by the Council of the EU and published, the regulation will apply to the remaining 15% of Russian agricultural imports not already subject to higher tariffs. Going forward, all such imports will be covered.

For agricultural products, the regulation sets an ad valorem import duty of 50% on relevant goods. For fertilizers, the current 6.5% ad valorem duty will be supplemented by a specific duty starting at €40 or €45 per tonne, depending on type, eventually reaching a prohibitive €315 or €430 per tonne within three years.

“The goal of the regulation is to eliminate dependency on Russian imports and to block circumvention via Belarus,” the note explains. “Due to the increased tariffs, Russian fertilizer imports into the EU will gradually be replaced by alternative sources.”

Several EU member states have already successfully phased out Russian nitrogen fertilizers without experiencing supply shortages or price hikes. The European Commission highlights that global alternatives—such as Egypt, Algeria, Norway, Morocco, Oman, and the United States—can fully replace Russian exporters.

The regulation is also intended to boost EU domestic fertilizer production, which has struggled amid the energy crisis and an influx of cheaper Russian products.

As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine is making a strategic appeal to the European Union: step into the leadership void left by a disengaged Washington and take bold, decisive action to curb the Kremlin’s aggression.