Lithuania Tightens Grain Import Controls from Russia and Belarus, Transit Shipments Surge

Lithuania has significantly tightened controls on grain imports from Russia and Belarus, resulting in a 95% drop in such imports since March 18, 2024. The Lithuanian State Food and Veterinary Service now inspects every rail freight car or vehicle containing grain imported from these high-risk countries, verifying the origin of the grain and ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

Before the increased inspections, an average of 20-25 consignments of Russian or Belarusian fodder would enter Lithuania for import per day. However, during the first month of heightened scrutiny, only 38 trucks transporting 1,068 tons of fodder were inspected, with three batches missed and the rest still undergoing laboratory tests. Since March 18, no Russian or Belarusian grain or grain products have been imported into Lithuania for final consumption.

Despite the drop in imports, the volume of transit shipments of Russian and Belarusian grain through Lithuania to other EU markets has increased significantly. Between January 1 and March 18, 184 consignments of grain were transported through Lithuania to other EU countries. However, from March 18 to April 16, the number increased to 317 consignments, with 292 batches of grain weighing a total of 18,000 tons imported to EU countries via Lithuania from Russia and Belarus.

The European Commission has proposed imposing maximum import tariffs on grains, oilseeds, and their processed products, including wheat, maize, and sunflower meal, in an effort to prevent Russian agricultural products from entering the EU market. In 2022, the EU imported 4.8 million tonnes of grain from Russia and Belarus, worth €1.5 billion.

Why this matters: Lithuania's tightened controls on grain imports from Russia and Belarus reflect the ongoing tensions and sanctions between the EU and these countries. The surge in transit shipments through Lithuania to other EU markets highlights the complexities of enforcing import restrictions while maintaining trade flows within the bloc.

Despite the tighter controls, Russian media outlets have reported that Lithuania purchased 12,200 tonnes of grain from Russia for €1.95 million in February 2024, resuming purchases after a six-month break. The Lithuanian authorities continue to closely monitor grain imports and transit shipments from Russia and Belarus to ensure compliance with EU regulations and to prevent the entry of banned agricultural products into the EU market.

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania tightened controls on Russian/Belarusian grain imports, leading to 95% drop.
• Despite import drop, transit of Russian/Belarusian grain through Lithuania to EU surged.
• EU proposed max import tariffs on Russian/Belarusian grains, oilseeds, and products.
• Lithuania resumed purchasing Russian grain in Feb 2024 after a 6-month break.
• Lithuania closely monitors grain imports and transit to ensure EU regulations compliance.