Belarus extends ban on imports from Lithuania until April 1

MINSK. Oct 2 (Interfax) - The Belarusian government has extended its ban on imports of certain goods from Lithuania until April 1, 2025, the cabinet's press service reported.

"Changes were made to Council of Ministers resolution No. 182, dated March 14, 2024, which imposed a ban on the movement of a number of goods through checkpoints on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border that are imported for sale in Belarus, regardless of their country of origin. The duration of the ban has been extended until April 1, 2025," the press release said.

This is a "forced measure by the Belarusian side to ensure the protection of national interests and respond to the unfriendly actions of the Republic of Lithuania," the press service said.

Belarus banned imports of a number of food and non-food goods from Lithuania as of March 14, including water, beer, wine, grape must, vermouth, other fermented beverages, ethyl alcohol, vinegar, pneumatic rubber tires, used clothing and other goods, as well as used vehicle parts and accessories.

The ban was imposed in response to Lithuania's decision to stop the movement of goods, transport and people through two border checkpoints.

Another retaliatory measure was the expansion of the list of Lithuanian-made goods prohibited from being imported into and sold in Belarus under a ban imposed in December 2021. Milk and condensed cream, fruit and nuts, coffee, fruit juice, water, vinegar, tights, stockings, half hose, socks and other hosiery products, certain construction materials, refrigerators and freezers originating from Lithuania were added to the list in March.