European Union raises import duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agricultural products

The European Parliament has approved a new package of duties targeting fertilizer and agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus, in a move aimed at reducing the bloc’s dependency on these countries and increasing economic pressure over geopolitical tensions.

In a vote held on May 22, 2025, the European Parliament agreed to gradually raise import duties on nitrogen and complex fertilizers from both countries over a three-year period. According to the adopted plan, the tariff on products such as ammonium nitrate, urea, and other nitrogen-based fertilizers will increase to approximately €315 per ton by 2028. Duties on complex fertilizers will rise to €430 per ton.

Beyond fertilizers, the measures introduce a 50% ad valorem duty on a broad range of Russian agricultural imports that had previously been exempt. These include dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other food products.

The regulation explicitly excludes goods from Russia and Belarus that are transported through EU territory en route to third countries, which will remain exempt from the new tariffs.

The move is part of broader EU efforts to reshape trade relations with Moscow and Minsk, amid ongoing geopolitical friction and efforts to support alternative supply chains within and beyond the European Union.