Armenia Launches EU Export Subsidy Program Amid Russian Restrictions

Armenia's Ministry of Economy has announced a support program to help local businesses export products to European Union markets, citing the need to diversify exports following Russian import restrictions on various Armenian goods.

Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said Armenian agricultural products, particularly fruits and vegetables, already meet EU quality standards and carry GlobalG.A.P. certification. The main obstacle is transportation costs: Armenian exporters face significantly higher logistics expenses and customs duties compared to European competitors.

To address this, the government plans to subsidize transportation costs for agricultural exporters. The initiative allocates up to $5.5 million for flower exports through year-end, plus approximately $3.5 million each for tomato and pepper exports.

Russia recently announced temporary restrictions on Armenian fruit imports effective June 2, citing phytosanitary violations. Earlier restrictions targeted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, flowers, and certain beverages.