Armenian government rolls out new support measure for exporters amid Russian trade restrictions

The Cabinet approved on Thursday a new support package designed to help exporters find new markets amid Russian trade restrictions.

The latest support measure pertains to the export of fresh fruit, bottled grape wine, brandy, and mineral water.

Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan recalled that last week the government had approved a similar measure to support the export of greenhouse products from Armenia, including fresh tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and flowers. The aim of the program is to promote export market diversification and the formation of new supply chains.

“In this context, the draft proposes approving a second similar measure to promote the export of apricots, plums, cherries, mineral water, and brandy. The draft proposes compensating economic operators exporting during June at the following rates: 200 drams per kilogram of apricots; 250 drams per kilogram of plums, peaches, and nectarines; 400 drams per kilogram of cherries; 350 drams per liter of bottled grape wine; 830 drams per liter of bottled brandy (in absolute alcohol equivalent); and 150 drams for mineral water,” Khojoyan said.

According to Khojoyan, the adoption of the decision will make it possible to diversify export markets and support the normal operation of companies.

The Deputy Minister clarified that the draft applies to exporters who carried out shipments starting from June 1.

He said that since June 1, around 257,000 kg of cherries and 64,900 kg of apricots have already been exported, and companies that carried out these exports will also be eligible for the program and can receive compensation at the end of the month.

According to analyses by the Ministry of Economy, export volumes of eligible products under the program in June 2026 are expected to reach around 11,500 tons, including 7,000 tons of apricots, 2,000 tons of cherries, 2,000 tons of plums, 500 tons of peaches and nectarines, 290,000 liters of bottled grape wine, 800,000 liters of brandy (in absolute alcohol equivalent), and 2,000,000 liters of mineral water.

Russia has recently been imposing increasing restrictions on the import of Armenian goods, ranging from flowers and certain fruits and vegetables to mineral water, citing alleged phytosanitary violations, despite Armenian officials saying that the Armenian agricultural output meets high international standards. 

The Armenian government has rolled out relief programs for exporters to help them find new markets and avoid losses. The European Union has pledged continued support to Armenia, including efforts to identify and develop new export markets. The EU announced immediate financial assistance worth over €50 million, in addition to other measures.

Most recently, a batch of flowers produced in Armenia was shipped to Latvia, while the Netherlands also announced the opening of its market. It was also announced that apricots will be shipped to Poland.