From January to September 2026, transit of Russian grain through Latvia increased 2.3-fold compared with the same period in 2025. Volumes of Belarusian grain shipments also rose significantly.
According to Latvia’s State Revenue Service, cited by Delfi, 689,995 tonnes of grain from Russia were transported in transit through the country over the nine-month period. From January to September 2025, the figure stood at 303,306 tonnes.
Transit of grain from Belarus over the same period increased from 60.8 tonnes to 131,417 tonnes.
Figures at the beginning of October
Growth in shipment volumes continued in October. From October 1 to 6, 52,365 tonnes of Russian grain and 14,640 tonnes of Belarusian grain were transported in transit through Latvia.
Transit permitted, imports prohibited
Latvia’s State Revenue Service noted that European Union and Latvian legislation does not prohibit the transit of grain products. At the same time, the import of such goods into Latvia for free circulation is prohibited.
Latvian customs monitors compliance with the established restrictions. Separate rules apply to goods from areas of Ukraine not controlled by the Ukrainian government: EU legislation prohibits their import, including under transit procedures.
Latvia has also strengthened border controls on grain to prevent the transit of products stolen in Ukraine.
Restrictions in Estonia
Amid the increase in transit, Estonia introduced a ban on the transport of Russian and Belarusian grain through its territory on October 1. The decision was made in response to Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian grain exports.
