EU Grain Imports From Russia Rise Ahead of Tariff Increase
Before the new tariff regime was put in place, the European Union saw a notable jump in grain purchases from Russia. Data from Eurostat, analyzed by RIA Novosti, shows that in June the EU’s imports of Russian grain reached 11.8 million euros, up from 6.5 million euros in the prior month. This shift highlights how markets were reacting to changes in import rules and price signals as the summer season began.
Measured in physical terms, the growth was more modest but still significant, with imports climbing to 43.4 thousand tons in June from 32.8 thousand tons in May. Both figures marked the highest levels since March 2023, signaling a strong supplier demand dynamic despite policy adjustments on the horizon.
Wheat was the primary driver of the June increase, with purchases rising about 2.4 times to around 9 million euros. Buckwheat also saw a sharp uptick, increasing roughly 2.6 times to 720,000 euros. Italy emerged as the leading importer of Russian grain in June, expanding its purchases fivefold to 7.2 million euros, underscoring how regional demand shifts were shaping trade patterns across the bloc.
From July 1, the EU implemented higher duties on grain, oilseeds, and their processed products imported from Russia and Belarus. Depending on the product, duties rose to 95 euros per tonne or to 50 percent of the product’s cost. The tariff changes were designed to recalibrate market access and protect domestic producers while reflecting broader geopolitical considerations in transatlantic trade relations.
In the political arena, last week Vice President Kamala Harris urged consideration of a federal ban on excessive food price hikes to shield American consumers. The proposal includes the potential for fines on companies that fail to comply with price caps and additional support for smaller food businesses to maintain fair competition and supply stability. These policy conversations are part of a wider effort to stabilize food prices and ensure resilient supply chains in North America.
Early in the period, some Greek buyers increased their purchases from Russia as part of a broader pattern of regional adjustments in response to evolving trade terms and supply expectations. The June data thus reflect a complex mix of market responses to tariff signaling, regional demand, and strategic sourcing decisions by EU purchasers, with implications for price levels, logistics costs, and agricultural planning across member states.
analysts note that the timing of the tariff jump will influence post-July trade flows. As European importers adapt, the balance between competition from other origins and the new tariff structure could shape which grains and which suppliers remain most competitive. The summer trading window remains a critical period for procurement strategies as buyers weigh price, quality, and reliability against the backdrop of policy shifts and geopolitical developments in the broader region.