In Latvia, the import of Russian grain has increased sharply

This year, the import of grain from the Russian Federation in Latvia has increased rapidly. The import of corn increased in particular. Tvnet.lv writes about it.

The European Union has imposed large-scale sanctions on the Russian Federation, but they do not concern the export of agricultural products. In turn, the export of Ukrainian agricultural products is significantly complicated, because the Russian Federation blocks the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports.

Research shows that the Russian Federation uses this situation to its advantage. For example, Russian wheat now accounts for 24% of world wheat exports, compared to 16% of the market before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

At the beginning of October, the State Security Service confirmed that the increase in the import of grain and peas from Russia had attracted its attention, but could not provide further comments on this matter.

According to the Central Statistical Office, this year four Latvian enterprises imported corn from the Russian Federation, five enterprises imported peas, and six purchased oilseed cake.

"For the first 8 months of the current year, EU member states in general imported 31% more wheat and corn from Russia compared to the same period last year. This is equivalent to an increase of 739,000 tons. Currently, the largest importers of Russian grain in the EU are Latvia, Italy and Greece, with Latvia showing the highest growth rates," the publication emphasizes.

IC UAC according to Tvnet.lv