Фото: facebook.com/Aizsardzibasministrija
Latvia plans to ban imports of a number of goods produced in Belarus and Russia. The government today approved corresponding amendments to the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine proposed by the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The final decision will be taken by the Saeima, Delfi reports.
The list of goods banned from import will include books, newspapers, video games, sporting goods, clothing, footwear and toys produced in Belarus or Russia.
Latvia imports 12.5 million euros worth of these goods annually. They account for 6.5% of all imports from Belarus and Russia and 0.05% of Latvia’s total imports.
The restrictions will not apply to the transit of such goods through Latvia to the EU.
“The draft law provides for a ban on imports of industrial goods that are not included in the European Union’s (EU) list of restrictive measures. The aggressor countries are seeking to maximise exports of their industrial products by offering them at lower prices, which negatively affects the income and welfare of EU producers, including those in Latvia. This creates economic threats for Latvia as a border state”, the Latvian Foreign Ministry said.