Lithuania has stopped importing grain from Russia and Belarus after the introduction of increased border controls. The Director of the State Food and Veterinary Service of the country reported on the practical stoppage of imports from these countries, although transit to other EU countries has significantly increased.

According to the data of the service, since March 18, imports from Russia and Belarus to Lithuania have decreased by 95%. However, the volume of transit to other EU countries increased at the same time.

After March 18, the State Food and Veterinary Service began to check every shipment of grain imported from Russia, the occupied territories and Belarus. Particular attention is paid to the origin of the grain and the detection of prohibited impurities that may affect the safety of products in the EU.

From January 1 to March 18, 184 consignments of grain were transported through Lithuania to other EU countries. After March 18, this number increased to 317 parties, which is almost twice as much.

The European Commission has proposed maximum import tariffs on grain, hoping to stop Russian agricultural products entering the EU market. According to the European Commission, last year, 4.8 million tons of grain worth 1.5 billion euros were imported to the EU from the Russian Federation and Belarus.