Latvia's Grain Transit Restrictions Could Redirect Exports and Harm Economy

The Latvian Stevedoring Companies Association (LSA) warns that unilateral grain transit restrictions imposed by Latvia on Russian- and Belarusian-origin cargo would not stop exports from reaching global markets, but rather redirect them to other transport corridors.

This move could have unintended consequences for Latvia's economy, including the loss of legal cargo, port and railway revenues, international customers, and competitiveness.

The LSA urges policymakers to assess who would bear the cost of such a decision before introducing new restrictions, emphasizing that any instrument used should genuinely reduce Russia's and Belarus's revenues and their ability to finance the war.