Latvia still trades with Russia worth over a billion euros, data shows
Despite the government's pledge to halt trade with aggressor states, Russia remained Latvia's sixth-largest export partner in 2025, with exports to Russia and Belarus together exceeding a billion euros.
More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade between Latvia and the aggressor states has not stopped, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau. In 2025, Latvia exported goods worth over a billion euros to Russia, making it the country's sixth-largest export partner. Exports to Belarus added a further 138 million euros.
Government pledges and initial steps
When Latvia's new government took office this summer, its action plan included a commitment to end trade relations with Russia and Belarus. Some measures have already been implemented: lists of companies continuing economic cooperation with the two countries have been made public, and since September, imports of books, newspapers, clothing and toys originating from Russia and Belarus have been banned.
Further restrictions planned
The Saeima is currently reviewing, on an urgent basis, amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development that would introduce a national import ban on food and fishery products originating from Russia and Belarus. The government also plans to impose a 300% tariff on grain transit cargo from Russia and Belarus passing through Latvian territory, starting December 31.
While several measures are already in place, the overall export figures show that a complete halt to trade with the two aggressor states has not yet been achieved.
