Estonian beer producers: increased excise taxes provoked an increase in cross-border trade in Latvia

According to data from the Estonian Beer Producers' Union, in the first five months of 2024, almost 30% more beer was sold in Latvian border stores than in the same period a year earlier, writes Rus.ERR. Alcohol store on the border of Estonia and Latvia. Photo: Mailiis Ollino / Pärnu Postimees

According to data from the Estonian Beer Producers' Union, in the first five months of 2024, almost 30% more beer was sold in Latvian border stores than in the same period a year earlier, writes Rus.ERR .

The main factor for this is the difference in excise taxes in Estonia and Latvia, the NGO Estonian Beer Producers Union reported on Friday, July 19.

According to him, the excise tax on beer in Estonia is now 48% higher than that of its southern neighbors.

“For example, if in Estonia the excise tax on a case of beer is 6.70 euros including turnover tax, then in Latvia it is 4.48 euros,” said the head of the organization Peeter Võrk.

Beer producers also note that each subsequent increase in excise taxes and taxes will further stimulate cross-border trade.

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