The European Union (EU) is preparing to increase customs duties on grain imported from Russia and Belarus.
Brussels The European Commission has announced its proposal to increase customs duties on grains and oilseeds imported from Russia and Belarus, including wheat, corn, and sunflower meal, to member countries.
The statement noted that the additional duties would put pressure on the import of these products into the EU but would not prevent exports to third countries.
The implementation aims to prevent the redirection of Russian grain products to the EU market, thereby stabilizing the domestic market, as European farmers are troubled by this situation.
The statement pointed out that the proposed customs duties would also prevent Russia’s illegal seizure of grain in Ukrainian territory from accessing the EU market, stating, “The proposed customs duties will make this illegal export method unprofitable.”
The statement also noted that preventing Russia from using revenue from grain exports to the EU to finance the war, as Russia exported approximately 1.3 billion euros worth of grain products to the EU in 2023, will be addressed.
The statement further indicated that the increased customs duties would also apply to Belarus, which has close political and economic ties with Russia, and Russia would not be able to send its products to EU countries through Belarus.
The proposal has been presented to EU member states, and after approval, the additional customs duties will come into effect immediately. The statement provided information that the new customs duties would be set at €95 per ton or 50% of the value, depending on the product.
Farmers in European countries have been staging intense protests lately. Farmers have been demanding higher prices for agricultural products in the face of rising production costs.
Issues such as the Union’s agricultural policies, environmental, climate, and nature restoration goals, cuts in support, high energy, fuel, and fertilizer costs, as well as cheap grain products from countries like Ukraine and Russia, have been troubling European farmers.
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç