Latvia publishes list of companies trading with Russia

The Latvian Central Statistical Office published for the first time on August 20 a list of domestic companies that continue to trade with Russia and Belarus.

The list includes about 170 Latvian companies that export goods to Russia and Belarus or import goods from these countries.

It is worth noting that the companies included in the list do not violate international sanctions. They can legally trade with Russia and Belarus in areas where restrictions do not apply, such as the sale of certain food products and medicines.

This open register of Latvian companies doing business with Russia and Belarus is reportedly updated monthly.

Some local media outlets have called the register a "shameful list."

The disclosure of information about the companies was made possible by amendments to the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine in June. Previously, such information about local companies trading with Russia and Belarus was not publicly available.

Now, consumers, business partners and other companies can have access to open information about firms that continue to trade with Russia or Belarus. This will allow them to make an independent decision on whether to continue cooperation with companies included in the register or not.

Latvia is one of Ukraine's close political partners. After the start of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine, Riga introduced a number of restrictions on the import of Russian and Belarusian goods.

In addition, many Latvian companies have voluntarily suspended or significantly reduced trade relations with Russia and Belarus.