Trump-era shift narrowed Armenia–US cooperation, expert says

The scope of cooperation between Armenia and the United States has significantly narrowed since the arrival of former US President Donald Trump, according to Armenian international affairs expert Suren Sarkissian.

In a Facebook post cited by Armenian media, Sarkissian noted that for many years, assistance programs formed a substantial part of the bilateral agenda between the two countries, per Caliber.Az.

“This was the support Washington provided to the police, the justice sector, the judiciary, and various economic programs,” he wrote. “However, after Trump cut foreign aid, the Armenia–US bilateral agenda became even less substantial. If American aid programs are no longer under discussion and USAID has essentially ceased to exist, then the areas of cooperation have clearly narrowed.”

Despite this setback, Sarkissian suggested that a new opportunity is emerging amid the tariff war initiated by Trump. According to him, nearly 50 countries have expressed readiness to negotiate new trade terms with the United States that could be mutually beneficial.

“Yes, trade volumes between Armenia and the US are small, but our exports are vital to us,” Sarkissian noted. “This is an area that requires active effort, though it remains unclear who will actually take on the responsibility.”

He emphasised the importance of addressing US trade concerns directly: “In the end, is it really so difficult to explain to Trump’s team why American cars are taxed at 30% or more in Armenia? (Of course, the fact that other countries apply similar rates doesn’t concern him.) Why do Apple and other US companies face high customs duties? And why should he himself not impose an additional 10% tariff on us?”

By Tamilla Hasanova