Russia restricts Armenian apricot imports, jeopardizing 83.9% of export revenue

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 2, 2026 at 12:59 PM

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Russia restricts Armenian apricot imports, jeopardizing 83.9% of export revenue

Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed restrictions on stone fruit imports from Armenia, including apricots, a move that threatens the vast majority of the country’s seasonal export earnings. In the 2025 season, Russia absorbed 83.9% of Armenia’s apricot exports, equivalent to $10.3 million out of a total $12.2 million, according to RIA Novosti. The ban comes as the apricot harvest season gets underway.

Export Dependency on Russia

Armenia’s apricot exports are heavily concentrated on the Russian market. In the 2025 season, which runs from May to September-October, the country earned $12.2 million from overseas apricot sales. Of this, $10.3 million—83.9%—came from Russia, according to an analysis of national statistics by RIA Novosti. Other destinations included Georgia ($540,600), Belarus ($205,900), and the UAE ($62,900).

Rosselkhoznadzor Restrictions

In early June, Russia’s phytosanitary agency Rosselkhoznadzor imposed a ban on stone fruit imports from Armenia, citing unspecified safety concerns. The restriction covers apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums. Neither the duration of the ban nor conditions for its lifting have been disclosed. The measure directly targets Armenia’s most valuable fruit export crop.

What's Next

The bans are in effect during the peak apricot export season, leaving Armenian producers with limited alternative markets. It remains unclear whether negotiations between Yerevan and Moscow will lead to a swift resolution or if Armenia can redirect shipments to other buyers.

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Russia restricts Armenian apricot imports, jeopardizing 83.9% of export revenue

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Inbusiness.kz

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Russia restricts Armenian apricot imports, jeopardizing 83.9% of export revenue

Export Dependency on Russia

Rosselkhoznadzor Restrictions

What's Next

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