Armenia Presses EAEU to Rule Russian Farm Curbs a Trade Barrier

Armenia has asked the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) to classify Russia's restrictions on Armenian agricultural exports as a barrier in the Eurasian Economic Union's internal market, and the outcome of the review could be announced on 3 November, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said on 21 October, ARKA reported. If the barrier is officially recognised, it must be removed within 30 days, he said.

The restrictions were introduced in phases in May and June 2026 by Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. They covered flowers, vegetables, berries, stone fruits and grapes and were subsequently extended to all regulated products. Russia cited systematic detection of quarantine pests and deficiencies in the oversight of export shipments.

"We disagree with the position taken by our Russian partners," Papoyan said. He called the curbs on peaches unfounded: "The restrictions were imposed in May, whereas the peach harvest ripens much later." Armenia pressed its case throughout June, July and August. "Regarding one of the points, a majority of the commission members voted in favor," he said, but a veto right applies, and "a state would have to vote against its own decision in order for an obstacle to be officially recognized as a barrier." He said he had discussed the issues with the head of Rosselkhoznadzor and "they were resolved", yet "the restrictions on the export of our agricultural products have still not been lifted."

The Commission's view

Alexander Subbotin, the EEC Board member responsible for technical regulation, told a press conference titled "Ensuring Product Safety in the EAEU Market" on 22 October that intensive work was under way to remove barriers facing Armenian producers, Armenpress reported. "We are actively involved in the work coordinated by the minister responsible for trade barriers," he said.

At Armenia's request, an application was submitted to the Commission for a closer examination of whether Russia's measures were applied correctly. Subbotin said one side held that they were, while the other argued the inspections had been conducted incorrectly, and noted that the EAEU Treaty provides for temporary restrictions to protect public safety, which can stay in place until the situation is clarified. "There has never been a case where we failed to find common ground and reach an agreement," he said. Producers acting in bad faith by supplying poor-quality goods would be removed from the market, he added. "However, conscientious, honest producers will remain and continue trading."

What the curbs cover

The EU has set out the scale of the measures in law. "Since May 2026, the Russian Federation has introduced large-scale trade measures affecting imports of, and transit for," key Armenian exports including alcoholic beverages, mineral water, fruits and vegetables, according to the EU regulation on temporary trade-liberalisation measures for Armenian products (agreed text). It said the measures had "significantly reduced Armenia's access to its traditional markets", hitting small and medium-sized enterprises and agricultural producers in particular. The EU preferences took effect on 10 October, with duty-free tariff quotas for eight farm products including peaches and apricots.

Georgia faces similar pressure: in October Russia's consumer watchdog halted wine and mineral water imports from seven Georgian producers.

Exporters look elsewhere

Flowers, one of the restricted products, show the shift. From 1 January to 12 October 2026 Armenia exported 908.6 tons of flowers to 30 countries, adding 23 new markets this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said, according to Armenpress. Last year flower exports went only to France, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Georgia and Russia. This year's buyers include Türkiye, Iran, 14 EU member states, Switzerland, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United States.

Air freight is the next outlet for fresh produce. Almarex Aviation Ventures plans to launch regular air cargo flights to the UAE in early November, using a Boeing 737-800 that can carry around 20 tonnes per flight, Papoyan announced on Facebook, Armenpress reported on 9 October. The company's director put the air freight cost at US$2.20 per kilogram.

Why it matters

With the restrictions now covering all regulated products, growers, packers and traders of fresh produce and flowers carry the most risk. A barrier ruling would start a 30-day clock, but the veto right means a favourable vote may not by itself reopen the Russian market, and harvests do not wait, as the peach case shows. Diversification has costs: air freight adds expense, and EU duty-free access for several fruits is capped by tariff quotas. Exporters may need contingency plans in case the curbs extend into the 2027 season, and inspection and traceability records gain commercial value when Russia's stated reasons concern pests and export controls.

What to watch

• The EEC decision, which Papoyan said could be announced on 3 November, and whether a veto is used.
• If a barrier is recognised, whether the restrictions are removed within the 30 days.
• The first regular cargo flights to the UAE, planned for early November.