The EU has suspended duties on approximately 80% of goods from Armenia.
About 80% of Armenian exports to the European Union will receive trade preferences: import duties will be suspended on a wide range of goods, including certain types of agricultural products, concluded the Council of the European Union.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the bans on the import of Armenian products into Russia contradict the agreements of the two countries, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously said in a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. The latter, in turn, insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the EU.
The Council of the European Union officially approved temporary measures for the liberalization of trade in Armenian products aimed at supporting the Armenian economy after the trade restrictions imposed by Russia. According to the decision, about 80% of Armenian exports to the European Union will receive trade preferences: import duties will be suspended on a wide range of goods, including certain types of agricultural products.
The temporary preferential regime will be in effect for two years. The new measures will help support and strengthen trade flows from Armenia to the European Union in accordance with the goals of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). At the same time, the mechanism provides for certain conditions and protective measures for the EU market in case the import of Armenian products negatively affects European producers.
Irish Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Helen McEntee stated that the EU is strengthening support for Armenia and its citizens, and the measures taken will help the Armenian economy cope with the consequences of trade restrictions. "Today's decision will help the Armenian economy, which has suffered from trade restrictions, and shows that our partners can always count on the EU," McEntee said.
Meanwhile, from January to August 2025, Armenia exported vegetables and fruits worth $990 million, while for the same period in 2026, the figure was $943 million (a decline of 5%), said Armenian Economy Minister Gevork Papoyan at a government meeting on September 24.
He called this a decent indicator considering the restrictions imposed on Armenian goods.
"Imports to the UAE increased by 40%, to India – by 2.1 times, to European countries – by 70%. The only significant decline was recorded in the EAEU countries," noted Papoyan. The minister reported that last year more than 40,000 tons of apricots were exported, while this year – 13,000 tons due to small harvest volumes. "At the same time, there are areas where growth has been recorded, including a 10% increase in brandy exports," he emphasized.
It should be noted that earlier the operator of the state labeling system "Honest Sign" at the request of Rospotrebnadzor blocked the sale of more than 70,000 bottles of drinking water and carbonated drinks from Armenia. The agency's decision is motivated by violations of mandatory product requirements.
Rosselkhoznadzor has been gradually introducing restrictions on the import of Armenian products since May 22: flowers, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens, and strawberries. In addition, the import of all batches of Armenian mineral water "Jermuk" and several cognacs and wines, fish was halted. Since June, the ban has been extended to fresh grapes and stone fruits, including cherries and sweet cherries, as well as potatoes, eggplants, seed fruits, and dried fruits. On July 24, the agency announced a new ban on the import of dairy products from Armenia. In response, on August 4, Armenia banned the import of tomato paste against the backdrop of export restrictions from Russia. In particular, the import of tomato paste is restricted from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Russia imposed import restrictions from Armenia before the parliamentary elections held on June 7, in which pro-Russian forces also participated. The "Civil Contract" party, led by the current Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, won the elections to the country's parliament. Commenting on its victory, Pashinyan stated that the three-headed party of war has been defeated (referring to the "Strong Armenia" bloc, the "Armenia" bloc, and the "Prosperous Armenia" party).
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