According to European News TV's report on July 24th, Latvia has approved a nationwide ban on the import of various consumer goods from Russia and Belarus, including books, toys, and video games. Latvia officials claim that this measure is aimed at 'completely boycotting' Russian products and further severing the country's economic ties with Russia.
On the 23rd, the Latvian Parliament passed an amendment that "supports fair laws in Ukraine," prohibiting the import of goods produced in Russia and Belarus that are not subject to EU sanctions or other trade restrictions. The bill states: "To ensure the security of Latvian society and provide universal support to Ukrainian society, the import of certain industrial products from Russia and Belarus will be prohibited."
The ban will cover a wide variety of consumer goods, including books, newspapers, video games, toys, sports equipment, clothing, and shoes. The ban applies even if the goods are imported from Russia or Belarus, even if they are transported through third countries.
The Latvian Cabinet has determined a specific list of goods for which import restrictions will remain in place until July 1, 2027.
On July 23 local time, Latvia's Foreign Minister Brazela spoke at the parliament. European News Television.
This proposal was drafted by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at further cutting off economic ties between Latvia and Russia. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Brazze said that Russia is “spreading political propaganda” through books, newspapers, etc., and both Latvia and the EU “do not need these goods”.
The Latvian Parliament’s Committee on Defense, Internal Affairs, and Anti-Corruption promoted this bill. Chairman Reimenis Bergmanis stated, “The amendments are the latest means of systematically reducing economic ties with Russia and Belarus. We will continue to firmly support Ukraine’s struggle.”
Blaževič has repeatedly stated that Latvia should ‘terminate its economic ties with Russia’ by the end of 2026. She has called on other member states of the EU to take similar measures. Latvian Economy Minister Viktors Valernis previously declared that the country has significantly reduced its economic ties with Russia, ‘but our goal should be to completely reject Russian goods.’
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Latvia's economic and trade relations with Russia have rapidly diminished. Data shows that in 2025, Latvia's total imports from Russia and Belarus amounted to 193 million euros, which accounted for only 0.8% of Latvia's total merchandise imports. This represents a decrease of 91% compared to 2022.
