Amendments aimed at weakening Latvia's economic ties with both countries are planned to be included in the law on supporting the civilian population of Ukraine. The draft law has been developed at the request of the Cabinet of Ministers and provides for a ban on the import into Latvia of books, newspapers, video games, sports goods, toys, clothing, and footwear originating from Russia or Belarus. The ban will apply to both direct imports of these goods from Russia and Belarus and imports from other third countries. However, transit through the territory of Latvia to other EU countries will not be restricted. As noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aim of the draft law is to reduce the ability of aggressor countries to generate income from exports and to strengthen Latvia's national security. At the same time, it will complement the already imposed EU sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia and Belarus. According to the annotation to the draft law, since 2022, Latvia's imports from Russia and Belarus have decreased by 91%. If in 2022 the value of imports exceeded 2.1 billion euros, in 2023 it amounted to 193 million euros, or 0.8% of the total value of Latvia's imports.
