Armenia Launches $5.4 Million Plan to Boost Exports to Europe, UK and Canada Following Russian Trade Restrictions

Armenia has approved a 2 billion-dram ($5.4 million) subsidy program to help exporters reach markets in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada, while the European Union has pledged more than €50 million ($57 million) in emergency financial assistance to support the country's agricultural sector following a series of Russian trade restrictions on Armenian goods.

The Armenian government approved the measure during its June 4 meeting, allocating compensation to exporters of greenhouse-grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers in an effort to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on Russia. The subsidies will apply to exports destined for the EU, the UK, and Canada.

Under the program, exporters will receive 770 drams ($2.08) per kilogram of strawberries, 275 drams ($0.74) per kilogram of tomatoes, 400 drams ($1.08) per kilogram of peppers, and 37 drams ($0.10) for each exported flower.

The initiative comes as Armenia seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on the Russian market. According to government data, Armenia exported approximately 73 billion drams ($197 million) worth of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers in 2025, with more than 93% of those exports going to Russia.

Officials said the subsidies were developed after consultations with exporters, who argued that financial assistance would be necessary to remain competitive in alternative markets after Russia imposed restrictions on a growing range of Armenian products.

The European Commission said its assistance package is intended to help Armenian producers enter new markets and offset the impact of the Russian measures. As part of the effort, a shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers is expected to arrive in Latvia, with additional deliveries planned in the coming weeks.

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