Armenia's trade deficit widened by 4.7% in Q1 2026 - World Bank

 
YEREVAN, May 19. /ARKA/. Armenia's trade deficit widened by 4.7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, according to the World Bank's "Armenia Monthly Economic Update – May 2026."

It is noted that in March, exports and imports declined by 12.6% and 3.2% (y-o-y), respectively, after stable growth in February.

Exports declined primarily due to declines in precious and semi-precious stones, as well as machinery and equipment, by 52% and 39% y-o-y, respectively.

"These two categories have been the main re-export destinations since 2022, indicating a gradual normalization of export flows. "Excluding these two items, total exports grew by 33.6% year-on-year, driven by minerals and processed food products," the report states.

Imports declined due to a 62% (y-o-y) decline in precious and semi-precious stones.

"This was partially offset by an increase in imported processed food products (by 60.6% y-o-y) and minerals (by 31% y-o-y)," the study notes.

According to Armstat, Armenia's foreign and mutual trade turnover increased by 4.6% in January-March 2026 compared to January-March 2025, exceeding $4.7 billion. In March of this year, this figure amounted to $1.58 billion, a decrease of 6.8% compared to March of the previous year. Exports in March amounted to $564.6 million, while imports amounted to $1,015.3 million.