Russian vodka and white fish hit with tariff increase

The UK government has today announced that hundreds of Russian products will be hit with new import tariffs, including vodka and white fish.

An initial list of goods also including glass and glassware, cereals, fertilisers, beverages, spirits and vinegar will from next week face an additional 35% tariff, on top of current tariffs.

The Treasury said the measures had been designed to “cause maximum harm to Putin’s war machine while minimising the impact on UK businesses”.

Russian white fish makes up about a third of the volume consumed in the UK. The UK is also the largest importer of Russian vodka, estimated to be worth around £17m.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine could also impact food and drink prices in the UK, with the two countries making up approximately a quarter of the world's grain exports. Russia is also the [biggest exporter of synthetic fertiliser](biggest exporter of synthetic fertiliser, supplying more than a fifth of urea), supplying more than a fifth of urea, a key fertiliser used in the UK.

Photo: Shutterstock / mayk.75