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The European Union will suspend import duties on nearly 80% of Armenian exports for two years starting Oct. 10, opening up access to its market for producers affected by Russian trade restrictions.
The European Commission announced on Friday that the measures cover almost all affected shipments of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, along with more than 91% of Armenian beverage and spirits exports.
The preferences aim to ease pressure on Armenian exporters and strengthen the country's economic resilience. The EU can introduce safeguards if imports adversely affect European producers.
The EU's support follows Russia's expanded trade restrictions on Armenian goods in May and June 2026, which affected products including brandy, wine, mineral water, flowers, fish and fresh produce over alleged regulatory and phytosanitary violations.
The measures, imposed as Armenia deepened ties with the EU ahead of its June 7 parliamentary election, raised concerns about political pressure on Yerevan.
Moscow denied political motives, citing safety and regulatory concerns, while transit barriers disrupted supply chains and pushed exporters to seek alternative markets.
In June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced more than €50 million ($56 million) in support for Armenia, describing Russia's actions as economic coercion.
The package aimed to help businesses diversify export markets and strengthen economic resilience.
Armenia's exports to the EU rose 9.2% to $667 million in 2025, up from $610.7 million in 2024. EU exports to Armenia reached $2.2 billion, putting bilateral goods trade at approximately $2.9 billion.
The bloc accounted for 11.3% of Armenia's total trade in goods in 2025, representing 7.9% of its exports and 13.5% of its imports. It ranked as Armenia's third-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market.
Armenia primarily exports manufactured goods and mining products to the bloc, while major EU exports to Armenia include machinery, electrical equipment, medical and optical instruments, and vehicles.
Armenia's total foreign trade turnover fell 29% to $21.4 billion in 2025, as exports dropped 36.1% to $8.4 billion and imports declined 23.6% to $13 billion, according to the country's Statistical Committee.
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