Armenia has received two-year trade preferences in the European Union.
From October 10, the European Union will provide trade preferences for about 80% of exports from Armenia for two years. The decision is related to the restrictions imposed by Russia on the import of Armenian products.
As reported by “Caucasian Knot”, the Council of the European Union approved temporary measures for trade liberalization with Armenia on September 24. They are intended to mitigate the consequences of Russia's trade restrictions. Import duties will be suspended on a wide range of goods, including certain types of agricultural products. Conditions and protective mechanisms are provided to protect European producers in case of negative impacts from Armenian imports.
The preferences will affect almost all exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as over 91% of exports of beverages and strong alcohol. The measures announced by the European Commission today will be part of a broader support package for Armenia.
The agreement on preferences is limited by quotas to protect the European market; after exceeding them, progressive import duties will apply to Armenian products, TASS notes.
In the summer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to open doors to Europe for almost 99% of Armenian agricultural products, as “Lenta.ru” reminds. This occurred against the backdrop of statements from Armenian authorities about the country's aspirations to join the EU.
The European Union is Armenia's third-largest trading partner: it accounted for 11.3% of its foreign trade in 2025, according to the European Commission's website. For Armenian exports, it is the fourth-largest market (7.9%), while in imports, the EU ranks third in the world (13.5%). Armenia mainly supplies industrial goods and mining products to the EU. Trade in services between the parties grew by 2% in 2023-2024, and in 2024, it had a positive balance for the EU.
The basis of the relationship is the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. It was temporarily applied since June 2018 and came into full force on March 1, 2021. The agreement replaced the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the European Commission indicates.
Economic Relations between Armenia and Russia
Russia's restrictions on the import of Armenian goods began to be introduced before the parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 7. Since May 22, the Rosselkhoznadzor gradually banned the import of Armenian flowers, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens, and strawberries. The import of all batches of “Jermuk” mineral water, some cognacs, wines, and fish was halted. In June, the ban was extended to fresh grapes, stone fruits, including cherries and sweet cherries, potatoes, eggplants, pome fruits, and dried fruits. On July 24, the Rosselkhoznadzor imposed a ban on the import of dairy products from Armenia.
The operator of the state labeling system “Honest Sign” blocked the sale of more than 70,000 bottles of drinking water and carbonated drinks from Armenia at the request of Rospotrebnadzor. The agency cited violations of mandatory product requirements.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the restrictions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27. He stated that they contradict bilateral agreements and the norms of the Eurasian Economic Union. According to the Kremlin, Putin stated that Armenia needs to hold a referendum on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU as soon as possible. Pashinyan said that a referendum is possible only after an official application for EU membership.
On August 4, Armenia banned the import of tomato paste. The restriction also applies to supplies from other EAEU countries.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated on August 6 that trade turnover between the two countries fell by about two-thirds in 2026 compared to 2025. “The situation is such that the decline will certainly continue,” he said. In 2024, trade turnover reached a record of about $12 billion, and in 2025, about $8 billion.
Exports of vegetables and fruits from Armenia from January to August 2026 amounted to $943 million, which is 5% less than in the same period of 2025 ($990 million), reported Economy Minister Gevork Papoyan. According to him, exports to the UAE increased by 40 percent, to India by 2.1 times, and to European countries by 70 percent. A significant decline was recorded only in EAEU countries.