Today, 25 August 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Cabinet regulations proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which introduce a ban on the import of various industrial goods from Russia and Belarus into Latvia, effective 1 September 2026. The ban will also apply to goods originating in these two countries that are imported from other third countries. The ban covers printed books, newspapers and other printed materials, clothing, other finished textile products, footwear, headwear, as well as toys, games and sports equipment.
The purpose of the import ban is to protect Latvia’s security interests, reduce the ability of Russia and Belarus to generate revenue from the export of goods, and limit the entry of Russian propaganda materials into Latvia. These goods are not unique; sufficient alternatives are available in other markets. It is important for Latvia to take a clear stance, moving toward severing economic ties with the aggressor in all areas.
Latvia has already made significant progress in reducing its economic ties with Russia and Belarus. Since 2022, the value of imports has decreased by 91% – from EUR 2,129 million in 2022 to EUR 193 million in 2025. This ban on the import of goods also complements other existing initiatives – the EU sanctions policy and trade restrictions, as well as Latvia’s existing national restrictions on imports of energy resources, agricultural products, fishery products and foodstuffs from aggressor states.
The measures included in the regulations will be reviewed annually to assess their effectiveness.
Efforts to weaken Russia and Belarus must continue at the global, regional and national levels. Maximum pressure must continue to be applied to Russia’s war economy and its co-aggressor, Belarus, in order to reduce Russia’s ability to finance the war and bring about a just and sustainable peace.
