Armenia Denies Spoiled Apricot Exports to Spain and Portugal

Armenian government officials have denied online reports claiming that a shipment of apricots exported to Spain spoiled during transit. Deputy Minister Khojoyan first dismissed the claims, stating that no apricots have yet been exported from Armenia to Spain.

Gevorg Papoyan later provided broader export data, confirming that Armenia exported 7,600 tonnes of apricots—approximately 380 large trucks—between June 1 and July 19, 2026. While these shipments reached various international destinations, Papoyan explicitly denied that any were sent to Spain or Portugal, contradicting the reports of spoiled fruit.

These export efforts occur as Armenia manages significant trade tensions with Russia. Since early June 2026, the Russian government has imposed restrictions on the import and transit of various Armenian goods, including stone fruits such as cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums. The bans have since expanded to include eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, dried fruits, and Jermuk mineral water.