Armenia Bans Wheat Exports for Six Months to Protect Food Supply

Armenia has introduced a six-month temporary ban on wheat exports to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), citing concerns over food security and the need to stabilize the domestic economy.

According to the Armenian government, the measure is intended to safeguard the country’s food supply at a time when domestic wheat production remains insufficient to meet national demand. Armenia relies heavily on imports—primarily from Russia—to cover its wheat needs, making food security a strategic concern.

Officials said the export restriction will apply only to wheat originating in Armenia and will not affect imported wheat that is re-exported under Armenia’s customs “re-export” procedure.

The decision underscores Armenia’s growing focus on protecting critical food supplies. Government data and international assessments show that local wheat production covers only a portion of domestic consumption, while the majority of the country’s wheat is imported, largely from Russia.

In a separate decision, the government also imposed a six-month ban on the export of ceramic waste derived from used catalytic converters removed from vehicle exhaust systems.

Authorities said the move is aimed at improving environmental protection by reducing the number of vehicles operating without emission-control systems and curbing the illegal trade of catalytic converters. The government argued that preventing the export of these materials could help reduce harmful emissions and strengthen oversight of the automotive sector.

The measures reflect broader efforts by Armenia to strengthen economic resilience, enhance food security, and address environmental challenges amid regional and global market uncertainties.

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