Armenia Can Now Officially Import Goods Directly From Turkey Without Intermediaries

Armenia’s State Revenue Committee announced that all procedural steps needed to begin direct trade between Armenia and Turkey were completed on May 11, 2026 — another development in the ongoing normalization process between the two neighboring countries.

According to the committee, the change became possible after a new regulation entered into force in Turkey that now allows Armenia to officially be listed as the final destination for Turkish exports.

Until now, Turkish companies were unable to directly name Armenian businesses in export documents submitted to Turkish customs authorities. Armenia also could not officially appear as a destination country in Turkey’s export system.

Because of these restrictions, products heading to Armenia were usually sent through intermediary companies in third countries, including Georgia, before eventually reaching the Armenian market. Businesses involved in the process often faced additional transportation costs, paperwork, and logistical delays.

Under the new system, Armenian companies will now be able to directly import goods from Turkey under their own names without relying on intermediaries.

The State Revenue Committee said the updated procedures are expected to simplify trade logistics, lower extra costs tied to intermediary arrangements, and reduce delivery times for goods imported into Armenia from Turkey.

The announcement comes as Armenia and Turkey continue talks aimed at improving relations after decades of closed borders and diplomatic tensions. The two countries appointed special envoys in 2021 and officially launched a normalization process in 2022 focused on reopening communication channels and building confidence between the sides.

The issue also gained public attention during a campaign event held by Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party on May 12. A video that quickly spread online appeared to show Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan quietly telling Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, “The Turks are opening it today, let’s make some kind of welcome text…”

At the time, Mirzoyan did not explain the comment publicly. Later, Pashinyan clarified that the conversation was about the new Turkish legislative change allowing Armenia to officially be recognized as a destination country for exports from Turkey.

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