Russia expands restrictions on Armenian imports

Russia has expanded its ban on imports of Armenian products, extending restrictions to additional fruit varieties, citing alleged phytosanitary violations.

In a press release, Russia’s state agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said that imports of cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, and grapes from Armenia will be banned until further notice, effective June 2, 2026.

It said it has repeatedly notified the Armenian side about “violations in the supply of quarantine-controlled goods” in relation to EAEU regulations.

The Russian watchdog blamed the dissolution of Armenia’s Agriculture Ministry and its subsequent merger with the Economy Ministry for the alleged phytosanitary violations and failure to comply with regulations.

Rosselkhoznadzor added that the situation poses a threat to Russia’s and the EAEU’s phytosanitary safety, as well as to the implementation of state support programs for fruit production and viticulture.

For its part, Rospotrebsoyuz Vice Chairman Dmitry Leonov told TASS that Armenian grape supplies could be replaced by imports from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Egypt, India, and China. He added that cherries could be sourced from Serbia and Moldova, nectarines from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Egypt, India, and China, and peaches from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

Russia has previously banned imports of Jermuk mineral water from Armenia, as well as certain flowers and alcoholic beverages. In addition, imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries from Armenia have been restricted. Most businesses engaged in fish farming have also been barred from exporting fish and fishery products to Russia.