Latvia Targets Russian Grain with 300% Tariffs Amid Baltic Port Shift

The Latvian government is considering imposing significant tariffs on grain shipments from Russia and Belarus to limit their transit through Baltic ports. According to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, a 300% tariff would be introduced as part of this measure. This decision comes amid increased Russian use of Baltic ports due to disruptions in Ukrainian routes.

Russian exporters have been utilizing Latvian ports, which are part of the European Union and NATO, to transport grain to other markets. Introducing such high tariffs could severely limit access to these ports for Russian exporters.

The measure is timely for Russia's export needs, as its main Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports have been affected by Ukrainian drone attacks, resulting in a 90% decline in maritime grain exports during the July 2025, June 2026 season. Moscow has sought alternative routes in the Baltic region.