BRUSSELS, 22 May 2025 – The European Parliament has voted in favour of significantly increasing tariffs on fertilisers and selected agricultural products imported from Russia and Belarus, in a move designed to bolster the European Union’s food security and curtail Russian revenue streams supporting the war in Ukraine.
Adopted on Thursday with a substantial majority of 411 votes in favour, 100 against and 78 abstentions, the measure will see a phased escalation of duties on nitrogen-based fertilisers, rising from the current 6.5% to levels equivalent to approximately 100% over a three-year period. A further 50% tariff will apply to a range of agricultural goods not previously covered by duties.
The new tariff regime is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2025.
The European Commission stated that the targeted imports, particularly fertilisers, pose a vulnerability to the EU in the event of coercive actions by the Russian Federation, with the aim of reinforcing the bloc’s resilience and reducing strategic dependence on Russian and Belarusian suppliers. In 2023, Russia supplied around a quarter of all nitrogen-based fertilisers used in the EU, amounting to imports worth approximately €1.3 billion. The product type concerned accounted for more than 70% of fertiliser usage across the Union.
Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, exported farm produce to the EU valued at €92 million and fertilisers worth €30 million last year.
In addition to fertilisers, the new duties will apply to a selection of Russian-origin agricultural goods previously exempted from trade restrictions. These include meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables – representing the remaining 15% of agri-food imports from Russia not covered by earlier prohibitive tariffs. The volume affected by the new measures is valued at €380 million.
This development builds upon measures introduced last year, when the EU imposed tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain. The Commission emphasised that the current steps aim to support domestic fertiliser production within the Union and promote diversification of supply, especially from non-hostile countries.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the decision, stating that the increased duties would likely raise prices and lower quality for European consumers. Peskov claimed that Russian fertilisers remain in demand through other export routes and insisted on their superior quality.
Despite the tariff increases, the European Union has reiterated that the measures will not apply to transit shipments of Russian fertilisers or agricultural products intended for third countries. Brussels has maintained this position throughout the war in Ukraine to avoid disruptions to global food supplies, especially in developing nations.
The legislation includes provisions for possible mitigation measures, should the new duties result in marked price increases for EU farmers. However, specific support instruments have not yet been detailed.
The initiative comes amid broader efforts by the EU to reinforce sanctions against Russia, limit Kremlin access to international finance, and reduce energy and trade dependencies. European policymakers have increasingly turned their attention to non-energy imports such as fertilisers, steel, and agricultural goods as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year.
The Commission has argued that fertilisers in particular represent a strategic input for the EU economy and food production system. The new tariffs, it stated, will shield European supply chains from geopolitical leverage and foster investment in domestic alternatives.
While no sanctions have been placed directly on Russian agricultural exports – due to their relevance to global food security – the imposition of steep tariffs represents a parallel approach intended to disincentivise imports without triggering broader market disruptions.
The Parliament’s vote gives final political approval to the tariff increases, which now await publication in the EU’s Official Journal before their planned entry into force at the beginning of July. National governments have already been consulted through the Council, and no objections are expected.
The move adds to a growing body of economic measures adopted by the EU in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and highlights the Union’s willingness to use trade policy as a strategic tool alongside sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
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