The EU imported 125,200 tons of Russian grain in early spring, compared to 92,600 tons a month earlier and 100,000 tons a year ago. On a monthly basis, purchases rose by 35%, and on a yearly basis by 25%.
This increase is due to Greece's significant surge in imports, rising nearly ninefold to 29,000 tons from the previous month's 3,300.
Furthermore, Spain has stepped up its imports of Russian grain from 14,000 tons to 24,000 tons.
Italy has also ramped up its purchases, acquiring 2,000 tons of Russian grain in February and 12,000 tons in March. Likewise, Poland has increased its purchases by 2.8 times during the reporting period, with a total of 15,800 tons.
Latvia continued to be the primary importer, responsible for 47,000 tons or 37% of all EU imports of Russian grain.
In March, Latvia imposed a ban on the import of Russian grain, while still allowing for its transit through the Baltic country. Shortly after, the EU released a proposal to impose barrier tariffs on Russian grain, which is currently being reviewed by member states. A representative from the European Commission mentioned in early May that the proposal is still under consideration.