Armenia exports 7,654 tonnes of apricots since June 1

Armenia exported 7,654 tonnes of apricots between June 1 and July 19, equivalent to more than 380 heavy-duty truckloads, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said.

Papoyan shared the figures in a post on his Facebook page.

“The geography of our exports is very broad, but we have no exports to Spain and none to Portugal either. Therefore, I suggest that the opposition media ‘spoil’ another truckload of apricots supposedly exported to Portugal today,” Papoyan wrote.

The minister’s remarks came after Armenian news website Armatmedia reported on July 20 that a shipment of Armenian apricots exported to Spain had allegedly spoiled in transit and was no longer fit for sale.

Armenian Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan subsequently dismissed the report, stating that Armenia has not yet exported apricots to Spain.

Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of stone fruits and grapes from Armenia since June 2.

In response, the Armenian government has taken steps to diversify export markets, creating opportunities for Armenian products to enter European markets. Armenia has already begun exporting certain products to European Union member states.

The European Union also plans to temporarily suspend import duties on around 80% of Armenian products as a support measure for Armenia amid the restrictions imposed by Russia.