Starting 1 July 2025, the European Union will impose steep tariffs on fertiliser and food imports from Russia and Belarus. This new move aims to cut the EU’s dependence on these products and reduce financial flows that may support Russia’s military activities in Ukraine.
The European Parliament voted in favour of the tariffs to target key imports, especially nitrogen-based fertilisers and common food items like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. The policy is both economic and political, signaling that Europe will not fund aggression through trade.
Sharp Tariffs to Slash Imports
Under the new rules, duties on nitrogen fertilisers will rise from 6.5% to nearly 100% over the next three years. These products currently account for €1.3 billion in annual imports from Russia and Belarus. The goal is to make such imports financially unattractive.
The EU will also apply new duties to several food products. Together, meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables make up about €380 million in yearly trade.
The tariffs are part of a wider effort to pressure Moscow economically without using direct military force.
“Stop Funding the War,” Says Lead MEP
Latvian MEP Inese Vaidere, who led the initiative, said the move is long overdue. “We must stop using our own money to fund Russia’s war. Every euro spent on Russian fertilisers supports the Kremlin’s budget,” she stated.
She also noted that relying too much on Russian fertiliser puts the EU at risk. “We are exposed to future shocks. If Russia cuts off supply, our farmers suffer,” she warned.
Mixed Reactions Across Sectors
The EU fertiliser industry welcomed the new policy. Leo Alders, head of FertilizersEurope, said it will help protect jobs and local production.
“This is the right step. We must act now to keep Europe strong. The supply chain is too fragile,” he added.
But many farmers across Europe are worried. They fear the tariffs will make fertilisers even more expensive. Input prices are already high, and the new rules could make farming less profitable.
Farmers Fear Soaring Prices
Cédric Benoist, a member of the French farmers’ union FNSEA, gave a clear warning: “Five years ago, nitrogen solution cost €160 per tonne. Now it’s around €300. It could rise again.”
He said some fertiliser companies are already reacting. “They are holding back supply, waiting for the tariffs. That’s making prices go up even before the rule starts.”
Benoist urged the EU to monitor the market and support farmers if needed.
Balancing Security and Farming Needs
The EU hopes the tariffs will weaken Russia’s economy and build a stronger, more self-reliant farming system. But this policy also brings short-term risks for European farmers, who may see their costs rise sharply.
Now, EU policymakers must find a balance between sending a strong political message and protecting food production.
While the long-term aim is to build a safer and more independent Europe, officials will need to act fast if the tariffs create sudden problems in food supply or prices.
Euro Steady as Markets Watch
Despite the policy change, the euro held firm in early trading. Investors appear more concerned about fiscal debates in the United States than changes in EU import policy.
Bond yields in Germany saw little change, and stock markets across Europe reacted modestly.
Still, the new trade move marks a strong shift in EU policy, signalling that the bloc is willing to bear short-term costs for long-term independence and peace.
As 1 July approaches, farmers, producers, and retailers across Europe are preparing for changes. The EU may need to step in with support measures if fertiliser or food prices rise too fast.
For now, the decision stands as a clear message: Europe is ready to reduce its economic links with Russia in response to the war in Ukraine.