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Latvia Blocks Russian and Belarusian Books, Clothes and Toys
The restrictions cover books, clothing and toys worth about $14.5 million in 2025, officials said, and run through July 2027.
On Tuesday, Latvia banned imports of Russian- and Belarusian-made books, clothing, toys, and other consumer goods, including shipments routed through third countries, Latvian Public Media reported.
The Saeima authorized these measures in July to protect national security, curb Russian propaganda, and deny Moscow and Minsk revenue during the war against Ukraine.
Restricted goods were worth approximately $14.5 million in 2025, representing 6.5% of Latvia's remaining imports from the two countries; Euronews reported the targeted products accounted for only 0.05% of total imports.
While the ban applies to direct and routed shipments, food and beverages remain exempt, and Russian and Belarusian goods may still transit through Latvia en route to other European Union states, according to Delfi.
Restrictions are scheduled to remain in force until July 1, 2027, and will be reviewed annually; Latvia's combined imports from Russia and Belarus have already fallen by 91% since 2022.
Since 1 September Latvia has prohibited the importation of clothing, shoes, books and toys from Belarus and Russia, and the Cabinet of Ministers approved the relevant decision on 25 August.