The Russian government's press service said it was imposing "flexible export tariffs" on certain types of products, including seafood, which would be linked to the ruble's exchange rate against the dollar. "The measure is temporary and aimed at protecting the domestic market," it said.

The tariffs will be calculated on the basis of the average exchange rate of the ruble against the US dollar determined by the Central Bank every month.

If the average exchange rate during the period exceeds 95 rubles (0.93 EUR /0.99 USD), the export duty will be 7%. If it is above 90 rubles (0.88 EUR /0.94 USD) but below 95 rubles (0.93 EUR /0.99 USD), the tax rate is 5.5%. 4.5% if the exchange rate is above 85 rubles (0.83 EUR /0.89 USD) but below 90 rubles (0.88 EUR /0.94 USD).

If the exchange rate is below 80 rubles (0.78 EUR /0.83 USD to 1 USD), the export duty is zero.

The new tariffs will take effect on October 1 and are expected to last until the end of 2024.

According to the Russian Federal fisheries agency Rosrybolovstvo, Russian seafood exports rose 4 percent to 1.4 million tons in the year to August.

Frozen fish accounted for the bulk of Russian seafood exports, accounting for more than 1 million tons, or 76% of the total.

Exports of fish fillets and other fish (including ground meat) amounted to 147,000 tons, accounting for 10% of the total.

The export volume of fish meal and non-edible aquatic biological resources particles reached 100,000 tons, accounting for 7% of the total.

The export volume of crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic invertebrates reached 72,000 tons, accounting for 5% of the total.