The first disclosure names major Latvian businesses and offers a new way to monitor commercial ties that previously remained hidden.
Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau has begun publishing monthly data on companies registered in the country that export goods to Russia and Belarus or import products from those countries.
The list is published on the CSB website. Previously, information about such foreign trade operations remained confidential under rules protecting data held by the State Revenue Service.
Why Latvia has opened access to trade data involving Russia and Belarus
The publication of the list was enabled by amendments to the law on support for Ukraine’s civilian population, adopted by Latvia’s Saeima on June 18. The law requires the State Revenue Service to provide the Central Statistical Bureau with information on Latvian companies that have export and import ties with Russia and Belarus.
The CSB, in turn, must make this information publicly available on a regular basis. The explanatory note accompanying the legislative amendments states that this approach is intended to make it more difficult for aggressor states to replenish their budgets through the activities of companies registered in Latvia.
Which companies were included in the July list
The July list includes approximately 170 companies. Businesses reported to have trade operations with Russia or Belarus include:
Grindeks;
Lauma Fabrics;
Olaine chemical plant Biolars;
Olpha.
Grindeks explained that the company has already begun redirecting its export deliveries. At the same time, in the pharmaceutical sector, shifting sales to other markets requires considerable time due to the industry’s specific characteristics.
Monthly updates to the list will make it possible to track which Latvian companies continue to maintain trade ties with Russia and Belarus.