EU prepares unprecedented tariff elimination for Armenian goods

The European Union has announced the introduction of new large-scale trade preferences for Armenia, which will allow the lion’s share of its exports to European countries to be exempt from customs duties, Bloomberg reports.

This step will help the country to get out of Moscow’s influence. At the same time, the decisions still have to be officially approved by the European Parliament and EU members.

Customs exemption

The details of these measures were announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan.

The new preferential regime will apply to the following categories:

• fresh fruits, vegetables and live plants;
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

In general, up to 80% of all Armenian exports to the EU will be subject to the complete abolition of customs duties.

In addition, Brussels will allocate a financial support package of 52 million euros to the country and send specialized experts to help local businesses adapt to the standards of the European market.

Russian pressure and new transport corridors bypassing the Russia

The economic concessions from the European Union were a response to Yerevan’s political U-turn.

After Pashinyan defeated his pro-Russian opponents in the parliamentary elections in early June, Russia increased financial and logistical pressure.

Moscow completely banned the import of Armenian fish, and also significantly limited the import of flowers and agricultural products, trying to block the country’s key sources of income.

In addition to these restrictions, on June 27, 2026, Russia threatened Armenia to unilaterally stop the supply of natural gas, petroleum products, and diamonds.

This ultimatum was put forward by the Russian Federation as a reaction to the country’s course towards rapprochement with the EU. The situation is critical for the Armenian region, as the state is currently completely dependent on Russian blue fuel.

Tags: EU, Armenia