Latvia is preparing 300% tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain to limit transit through Baltic ports

The Latvian government intends to impose 300% tariffs on grain originating from Russia and Belarus, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said on Monday. The measure is being considered amid increased Russian shipments through Baltic ports and could affect one of the alternative routes used by Russian exporters.

Officials in Latvia and Lithuania announced last week that they were considering halting the transit of Russian grain through their ports. Russia has increased its use of these routes after Ukrainian attacks disrupted shipments through Russian ports on the Baltic Sea.

Russian exporters currently use Latvia, a member of the European Union and NATO, to transport grain to other markets. The introduction of very high tariffs or a ban could significantly limit access to Latvian ports.

The measure would come at a difficult time for Russian exports. During the July 2025–June 2026 season, Russia shipped 46.3 million tonnes of grain through Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports, accounting for approximately 90% of its total maritime grain exports. These routes have nevertheless been severely affected by Ukrainian drone attacks, prompting Moscow to seek alternatives in the Baltic region.