Latvia to impose major import ban on Russia and Belarus from September 1
Illustrative photo: border with Russia (Getty Images)
The Latvian government approved the new rules at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 25.
Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, backed a ban on trade with Russia and Belarus in late July. The government’s decision formally set September 1 of this year as the date the restrictions will take effect.
What products are covered by the ban
The restrictions cover a broad range of consumer goods and finished products. The list includes:
- Printed books, newspapers and other printed materials;
- Clothing, footwear, headwear and other finished textile products;
- Toys, games and sporting goods.
The ban will apply even if goods manufactured in Russia or Belarus enter Latvia through other countries.
The main goal of the measure is to protect Latvia’s national security interests. The government also aims to significantly reduce export revenues for the Russian and Belarusian budgets and completely block channels through which Russian propaganda materials can enter the country.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the EU was preparing sanctions against more than 1,600 companies accused of helping Russia in its war against Ukraine. It would be the largest number of companies ever added to the bloc’s sanctions list in a single package.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the EU’s large sanctions packages against Russia could become a thing of the past, as Brussels seeks to move away from its long-standing strategy.
