EU opens doors to Armenian goods with tariff removal amid Russian pressure

The European Union is set to significantly boost Armenian trade by removing nearly all tariffs on its agricultural and alcoholic products. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU will become tariff-free.

Specifically, 99% of Armenian fresh agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and plant-based goods previously exported to Russia, will now enter the EU market without customs duties. Additionally, over 90% of Armenian beverage and alcohol exports will also benefit from this tariff reduction. This initiative aims to open European markets for Armenian goods that faced restrictions elsewhere.

This decision comes amid ongoing economic pressure from Russia on Armenia. Moscow recently banned imports of Armenian agricultural products and other goods, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to dissuade Yerevan from deepening ties with the West. Von der Leyen assured Armenia of the EU's continued support, stating, "Be calm, when pressure is exerted on our partners, the European Union always takes a step forward."

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Be calm, when pressure is exerted on our partners, the European Union always takes a step forward.

The EU will also provide further financial aid, releasing the remaining 18 million euros from a 52 million euro package aimed at strengthening and diversifying trade. Furthermore, EU experts will be dispatched to Yerevan to assist Armenian producers and exporters in maximizing the benefits of this "privileged partnership."

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the announcement, calling the EU one of Armenia's most reliable partners. He expressed hope for swift implementation, especially with the harvest season beginning. Armenia will be the first country without EU candidate status or a free trade agreement to benefit from this specific trade instrument. Historically, Armenia has had strong economic ties with Russia, but under Pashinyan's leadership, closer ties with the West have been pursued, leading to retaliatory measures from Moscow.

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This measure will open Europe's doors for almost 99 percent of Armenia's fresh agricultural products – vegetables, fruits, and plant-based products – that were previously exported to Russia. It will also open the Community's single market for more than 90 percent of Armenia's beverage and alcohol exports.