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Anti-Russian sanctions

Latvian hauliers fear trade woes from EU Russia sanctions

Head of Latvian haulage association noted Latvian hauliers will be the first to feel the effect of EU sanctions against Russia

Trucks at the border between Russia and Latvia (archive) ITAR-TASS/Inna Shebeko

Trucks at the border between Russia and Latvia (archive)

© ITAR-TASS/Inna Shebeko

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EU sanctions against Russia will hit Latvia most — minister

RIGA, March 18. /ITAR-TASS/. European Union sanctions against Russia threaten large-scale damage for Latvian freight carriers and their cargo transport links with Russia, said Valdis Trezins, head of Latvian haulage association Latvijas Autozins speaking to Open City magazine.

Trezins noted that Latvian hauliers will be the first to feel the effect of EU sanctions against Russia.

“Sanctions will affect cargo flow at ports. The first signs have been seen in Klaipeda already," Trezins said. "We can feel lower trade activity with Russia. If the situation continues and if it is caused by sanctions, it will be a great shock for us as 70-80% of our transportation is focused on Russia."

“We are witnessing less cargo flows between Latvia and Russia, Latvia and Ukraine as well as transit shipments. Russian cargo owners are less active now,” he added. “It is impossible to forecast how long it will last. Our freight carriers are informing us about emerging problems with rolling stock," Trezins concluded.

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