VILNIUS, April 8. /TASS/. Latvia raised its imports of Russian grain in January - March by around 40%, BNS agency reported citing the State Revenue Service.

According to official figures, Latvia imported 158,300 tons of grain from Russia in the Q1, which represents a 39.8% increase over the same period in 2023.

In monetary terms, imports declined - the price of imported grain reached 27 mln euro, which is 6.2% lower than the same period last year. Corn accounted for the vast majority of imports, or 136,500 tons. Wheat and rye accounted for 17,200 tons, while barley made for 4,400 tonnes.

Following legal procedures, grain from Russia that entered Latvia is classified as a product from the EU. It may remain in the country or travel duty-free throughout the EU.

The passage of Russian grain into Latvian territory has expanded dramatically - by 78.9% to 596,800 tons.