A response to an unfriendly step
The stable development of the Belarusian economy amid the ongoing sanctions pressure irritates and unnerves the West. According to Belstat, in January-June of this year, the Belarusian GDP grew by 5 percent against predicted 3 percent. At the same time, the growth of the gross regional product has been ensured in all regions and the city of Minsk. Of the five main performance indicators of the Government and the National Bank, four have been met.
Just before that, the US and the EU launched another wave of illegal restrictions against our country. We have long developed an algorithm for responding to such destructive actions. The country must protect its interests, including using direct methods of cooling opponents inflamed by the sanctions agenda.
The decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus has entered into force, expanding the list of goods from unfriendly countries that are prohibited for importation and sale on the territory of our country. Margarine, pasta, Portland cement and other types of cement, fertilizers, tableware and kitchen utensils, chipboard, fiberboard and OSB plates, packaging containers, building materials (products made of cement, concrete or artificial stone, bricks) fell under restrictive measures.
It should be emphasized that Belarus itself has never initiated the introduction of unilateral restrictive measures. Minsk opposes such destructive and violating international law practices at all venues. In the context of the ongoing insanity of Western countries, our counter actions are a retaliatory and adequate measure. Belarus is forced to react to systematic unfriendly actions against itself. In addition, it is a temporary measure that is subject to periodic review. If Western sanctions are lifted, Belarus will immediately lift its restrictions.
It should be noted that each such step of the Belarusian side is always carefully calibrated and calculated.
Unlike the West, we do not intend to harm our economy and consumer needs. The ban on the import of these categories of goods does not mean the impoverishment of the domestic market. For all prohibited commodity items, Belarus has its own producers, who receive additional opportunities to increase capacity utilization and output, increase revenue, and create new jobs.
In the end, this will have a positive impact on revenues to the state budget. If necessary, enterprises of friendly countries can fill in the missing volumes.
Are these measures sensitive to Western opponents? Definitely yes. For example, according to approximate calculations based on official Lithuanian statistics, in the first half of 2024, Lithuania exported goods to Belarus that fell under our retaliatory measures worth over 1.3 million euros.
In the context of the economic war unleashed by the Western coalition, Belarus demonstrates a pragmatic and balanced position. In fact, by the same decision of the Government, the import of apples into our country is allowed until August 31, to which Polish suppliers have already reacted positively. Despite all attempts of the Polish leadership to build barriers not only on the border, but also in the trade and ‑economic sphere, loud statements about the intention to diversify sales markets have not been implemented for local producers. The Belarusian market is ‑still interesting, remaining one of the most important export destinations for Polish companies.