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MOSCOW, May 21. In March, the European Union increased imports of Russian grain by a third compared to February, follows from an analysis of data from the European Statistical Service.
Thus, in early spring, the EU imported 125.2 thousand tons of agricultural products. A month earlier, this figure was 92.6 thousand tons, and a year ago — 100 thousand tons. In monthly terms, purchases jumped by 35%, and in annual terms — by 25%. 
The situation is explained by a sharp increase in Greek imports — almost nine times, to 29 thousand tons from 3.3 thousand a month earlier. In addition, Spain increased the import of Russian grain to 24 thousand tons from 14 thousand.
Italy has seriously increased its purchases: if in February it purchased two thousand tons of grain, then in March it was already 12 thousand. Poland's imports during this period increased 2.8 times — to 15.8 thousand tons.
Latvia remained the main buyer. The Baltic country accounted for 47 thousand tons of grain, or 37% of all EU imports.
In March, Latvia banned the import of Russian grain, but retained the possibility of its transit. The EU a little later published a proposal to introduce protective duties on it. While this initiative is under consideration by the countries of the union, a representative of the European Commission said in early May.