Russian grain transit through Latvia more than doubles despite import ban

Russian grain transit reached 689,995 metric tons between January and September, compared with 303,306 metric tons a year earlier — a 2.3-fold increase.

Transit of Belarusian grain also rose sharply, reaching 131,417 metric tons, compared with just 60.8 metric tons during the first nine months of 2025.

In the first six days of October alone, Latvia handled another 52,365 metric tons of Russian grain and 14,640 metric tons from Belarus.

That brought the totals since the beginning of 2026 to approximately 742,000 metric tons from Russia and 146,000 metric tons from Belarus as of October 6.

Latvian authorities said neither European Union nor Latvian legislation currently prohibits the transit of grain from Russia or Belarus. However, importing those products for sale on Latvia's domestic market is prohibited.

Separate EU restrictions ban imports and transit of goods originating from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.

To prevent grain taken from occupied parts of Ukraine from entering international supply chains, Latvian customs officials inspect documentation covering the grain's origin, variety and transportation route.

Authorities also collect samples for laboratory testing to help establish where the grain was grown. According to the Latvian State Revenue Service, samples had been collected from 10 shipments as of October 8.

Ukraine has been working with Baltic countries to strengthen checks on grain of uncertain origin, including through laboratory testing and improved verification procedures.