Armenia Ratifies EEU-UAE Agreement: 95% of Its Exports to Emirates to Receive Preferential Access
YEREVAN, November 14. /ARКА/. Today, the Armenian government has sanctioned the ratification of an agreement titled "On Economic Partnership between the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and its Member States and the UAE," which was signed on June 27, 2025, in Minsk, Belarus.
The purpose of this agreement is to liberalize and streamline trade in goods between the involved parties. This includes the reduction of both tariff and non-tariff barriers, the promotion of economic and trade collaboration, and the encouragement of trade expansion between the parties.
The agreement particularly highlights the importance of cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises and mandates that businesses be promptly inform ed about the opportunities created and the applicable regulations.
Consequently, member states of the EEU will gain preferential access for 86% of their goods, with 98% of the EEU's exports to the UAE being included. For Armenia, preferential coverage for exports to the UAE will reach 95% of current exports, leaving 5% ineligible for benefits.
The government has indicated that as of 2023, Armenia exported 270 types of goods to the UAE, of which 217 will enjoy preferential access once the agreement is enacted.
As a result, while maintaining their export volumes, Armenian exporters are expected to receive direct subsidies totaling approximately $500,000, and the average customs duty on exports from Armenia to the UAE will be reduced from 6% to 2.6%.
In terms of agricultural products, the proposals put forth by the Armenian side mainly consist of goods that are of primary export interest to the Republic of Armenia. This includes various fresh fruits such as strawberries and wild strawberries, as well as lactose, fresh tomatoes, fruit juices, honey, jams, sweetened mineral water, plants, apples, apricots, sauces, and more.
According to Armstat, Armenia's trade with the UAE in the first nine months of 2025 amounted to $1.4 billion, a decrease of 70.2% compared to the first three quarters of 2024. Moreover, exports during the reporting period slashed by 71.1%, to $1.3 billion, while imports dropped by 12.5%, amounting to $294.3 million.-0-
