EU to Lift Tariffs on 80% of Armenian Exports as Russia Restricts Armenian Goods

The European Union is moving to lift tariffs on most Armenian exports for two years, offering Yerevan greater access to the European market after Russia imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian goods.

The Council of the European Union approved the temporary trade package Wednesday, backing a European Commission proposal that would liberalize about 80% of Armenia’s exports to the 27-member bloc.

The measures would suspend import duties on a broad range of Armenian products, including agricultural goods. Nearly 99% of Armenia’s fresh fruit, vegetable and plant exports would be covered, along with more than 91% of beverage exports, including alcoholic drinks.

The tariff relief would remain in place for two years after the regulation takes effect.

The package is intended to help Armenia find new markets at a time when its traditionally close economic relationship with Russia is under growing strain.

Moscow began restricting imports of Armenian products in May, with measures affecting agricultural goods, fish, beverages, dairy products and flowers. The restrictions followed two European summits in Yerevan as Armenia continued to deepen political and economic ties with the EU.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for the preferential trade measures during a visit to Armenia earlier this summer, presenting them as part of a broader effort to help Yerevan diversify its economy and reduce its vulnerability to Russian pressure.

The EU measures would not provide Armenian exporters with unrestricted access to the European market. The regulation includes safeguards that would allow Brussels to respond if a surge in Armenian imports seriously harms European producers.

The Council approved the Commission’s proposal without changes. The European Parliament is expected to take up the measure during its September plenary session.

If Parliament also approves the proposal without amendments, the Council can give its final approval without another round of negotiations between EU institutions. The regulation would then take effect one day after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

For Armenia, the temporary measures would significantly expand preferential access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets as the country looks to broaden its trade relationships beyond Russia.

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