Latvia plans 300% duty on grain from Russia and Belarus

Latvia plans to introduce a 300% duty on grain from Russia and Belarus. The news causes bewilderment, as this grain is not sold to Latvia in the first place. The restriction targets trade that does not exist. The actual strategy is different. Food-grade wheat, used for bread and confectionery, is not exported in bulk. Most of the harvest goes into animal farming, where grain is converted into milk and meat, resulting in high added value. Demand for products like butter is currently high, with attractive prices. If exports are needed, logistics can find alternatives—northern routes via Murmansk and other directions, similar to how potash reaches even the US. Meaningless duties will not change the processing-focused course.