Armenian authorities to subsidize agricultural exports after Russia restricts imports

YEREVAN. June 11 (Interfax) - The Armenian government has approved a package of measures to stimulate exports of agricultural products and beverages amid Russia's introduction of a ban on imports of certain types of Armenian goods.

"The program aims to diversify export markets and support the sustainable activities of exporting companies. Compensation is provided for exporters of apricots, plums, cherries, mineral water, wine and brandy," Armenian Deputy Economy Minister Arman Khojoyan said at a government meeting on Thursday.

For products exported from June 1, 2026, the following compensation amounts have been set: 200 dram per 1 kg of apricots; 250 dram per 1 kg of plums, peaches and nectarines; 400 dram per 1 kg of cherries; 350 dram per 1 liter of bottled grape wine; 830 dram per 1 liter of bottled brandy and 150 drams per 1 liter of mineral water.

To receive compensation, exporters must contact the Economy Ministry, submitting product sales declarations or copies of export declarations and settlement documents.

Since June 1, around 257 tonnes of cherries and 64.9 tonnes of apricots, as well as 961,000 flowers, have been exported abroad to the UAE, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Cyprus, the Netherlands and a number of other countries, Khojoyan said.

"Long-term cooperation is being formed with foreign partners, including with one of the marketplaces in the Netherlands," he said.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave instructions to ensure prompt monitoring of the situation so that export stimulation measures do not lead to a shortage of products on the domestic market and unjustified price increases.

The Armenian government previously approved a program to support exports of greenhouse products - tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and flowers.