Armenian government approves third subsidy package for exporters

The Armenian government has approved a third package of subsidies for domestic companies exporting products to various markets, particularly the European Union.

The subsidies will be used to compensate logistics costs associated with exporting apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, sweet cherries, mineral water, wine, and brandy, according to Armenian media.

Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Arman Khojoyan, said the subsidies apply to entrepreneurs who exported products after June 1. According to him, 257 tons of sweet cherries and nearly 65 tons of apricots have been exported during that period.

During the parliamentary election campaign ahead of the June 7 vote, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pledged support for exporters whose products had been barred from entering Russia. He stated that the government would compensate producers for affected goods and help them find new export markets.

On June 4, the government approved two earlier subsidy packages, including compensation for logistics costs and customs payments. Under the first package, subsidies are provided to offset logistics expenses for exports of greenhouse-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers. Under the second package, the government agreed to compensate customs duties for entrepreneurs exporting fruits, vegetables, and flowers to the EU, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

On May 15, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced plans to inspect several Armenian enterprises whose exports to Russia had previously been suspended. Restrictions on flower imports were announced on May 22.

On May 30, Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on imports of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and strawberries originating from and shipped from Armenia.

Beginning June 2, the agency restricted imports of stone fruits—including cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines—and grapes from Armenia. Temporary restrictions on imports of pome fruits (apples and pears), eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits from Armenia took effect on June 3.

By Jeyhun Aghazada