EU Suspends Import Duties as Russia Bans Armenian Plant Products

The European Union suspended import duties on approximately 80% of Armenian exports on September 24 to support the Armenian economy following severe trade restrictions from Russia. The temporary preferential regime, which lasts for two years, covers a wide range of goods including honey, potatoes, and apricots. Armenia is notably the only country to receive these preferences without holding EU candidate status or a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement.

The move follows a total ban on all Armenian plant products implemented by Russia, which cited phytosanitary security violations. This action severely impacts Armenia, as the country relied on Russia for 95% of its agricultural export value in 2025. In response, the Armenian government banned tomato paste imports from Eurasian Economic Union countries on August 4 and introduced subsidies to cover transport costs and import duties for exporters targeting the EU, UK, and Canada.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has emphasized the need to diversify export markets to reduce disproportionate economic dependence on a single partner. While exports to the Eurasian Economic Union have declined, Armenian officials report significant growth in trade with European countries, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU measures align with Armenia's recent intent to bid for EU membership and its broader shift toward Brussels.