European Union considers new grain tariffs on imports from Russia and Belarus
The discussions surrounding a planned increase in tariffs on grain imports from Russia and Belarus drew strong reactions from Moscow. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that such measures would not alleviate global hunger; instead, they would aggravate an already strained world food situation, which Moscow argues has been worsened by Western policies.
According to the same commentary, the proposed tariff actions are unlikely to improve global food security. The assertion remains that these measures could destabilize markets further rather than stabilize them, as critics say the West has already created conditions that complicate access to affordable food.
Plans announced by European Union leaders indicate preparations for higher duties on grain and related oilseeds entering the EU from Russia and Belarus. The aim, as outlined by EU officials, rests on keeping Russia from gaining from export profits into Europe and on shielding the European grain market from potential destabilization linked to supply disruptions.
Tariff preparations and market expectations
Industry sources cited by major financial publications describe a forthcoming levy of around 95 euros per tonne on grain imports from Russia and Belarus. The same reports indicate that duties on oilseeds and their derived products would be elevated by about half. The expected effect, if implemented, would be a significant rise in consumer prices for these commodities and a dampening of demand, according to the described projections.
These discussions arrive at a moment when European Union nations had imported record volumes of grains, oilseeds, and related products from Russia in the recent year. The figures highlighted that these imports accounted for roughly one percent of the total consumption of such goods within the bloc.
Observers emphasize that this policy debate has unfolded against a backdrop of farmer protests across several EU member states, where tensions over prices, input costs, and the affordability of imported goods have intensified concerns about food security and agricultural policy direction.
Farmers’ protests across Europe
Demonstrations by farmers in Europe have evolved over several years. The movement began in the Netherlands amid stricter environmental regulations and subsequently expanded to multiple countries, reaching multiple states by late 2023. Core grievances include low farm-gate prices, rising fertilizer and fuel costs, and perceived gaps in government support to counter the impact of large-scale imports.
In recent weeks, Poland has seen some of the most active protests. Agricultural producers there have called for reforms or even a complete reassessment of the Green Deal and related EU agricultural policies. The Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050 and promotes sustainable farming practices that sometimes contrast with traditional intensive agricultural methods.
Alongside policy debates, Polish farmers have voiced concerns about the effects of Ukrainian agricultural imports, calling attention to competitive pressures and seeking a more balanced approach to trade within the region. Protest actions have included border disruptions and direct demonstration of goods movements tied to Ukrainian supply chains, highlighting the broader debate over regional food security and market balance.