Manaseryan: Armenia Needs New Export Destinations While Maintaining Existing Economic Ties
17.06.2026,
18:05
Professor and Doctor of Economics Tatul Manaseryan believes that assessing the potential impact of restrictions on the export of Armenian quarantine products to Russia requires a comprehensive analysis that takes into account not only the volume of shipments but also a broader range of economic factors.
YEREVAN, June 17. /ARKA/. Professor and Doctor of Economics Tatul Manaseryan believes that assessing the potential impact of restrictions on the export of Armenian quarantine products to Russia requires a comprehensive analysis that takes into account not only the volume of shipments but also a broader range of economic factors.
Commenting on the Central Bank of Armenia's estimate released yesterday to ARKA news agency, which estimated the volume of potentially affected exports at approximately 2% of the country's GDP, the economist expressed surprise at this figure.
"Where do these figures come from? That's a big question. It's too simplistic to judge the potential damage to the Armenian economy based solely on the 2% figure," he said.
He added that assessing the impact of export restrictions on economic growth depends on many factors and requires a detailed analysis, taking into account the future developments of the situation and the economy's ability to compensate for potential losses through other trade and investment avenues.
Manaseryan believes that the consequences of such restrictions should be considered in the context of long-term trade and economic ties, the structure of sales markets, and business adaptation opportunities.
He stated that the Russian market has remained a key destination for Armenian producers for many years, and reorienting itself to new markets requires time, investment in logistics, and product promotion.
"Neither the Europeans nor the Turks, who promised sales markets, can completely replace the Russian market. This takes time. Consumers need to become familiar with new products, and new supply and logistics channels must be created," Manaseryan noted.
The expert also emphasized the importance of diversifying Armenia's foreign trade and exploring new export destinations while maintaining existing economic ties. He cited countries in the region and the Middle East, including Iran and the Arab states, as promising markets.
"New markets must be sought. But in my opinion, we should start with the region—with the Arab countries, primarily Iran, and other countries. I see no reason to sever ties with traditional partners," Manaseryan stated.
Restrictions on the supply of products from Armenia to the Russian Federation
Effective June 12, 2026, Russia has restricted the import of all quarantine products originating and shipped from Armenia, as well as their transit through the Russian Federation to EAEU member states.
The restrictions imposed by Rosselkhoznadzor (the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) include, among other things, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Previously, Russian regulators also imposed restrictions on the supply of Jermuk mineral water and certain types of alcoholic beverages from Armenia.
Rosselkhoznadzor cited the "systematic detection of quarantine organisms" in plant products and flowers from Armenia as the reason for the restrictions. It is noted that the ban will remain in effect until a specific algorithm for ensuring the safety and traceability of shipped goods is developed.
Commenting on the Central Bank of Armenia's estimate released yesterday to ARKA news agency, which estimated the volume of potentially affected exports at approximately 2% of the country's GDP, the economist expressed surprise at this figure.
"Where do these figures come from? That's a big question. It's too simplistic to judge the potential damage to the Armenian economy based solely on the 2% figure," he said.
He added that assessing the impact of export restrictions on economic growth depends on many factors and requires a detailed analysis, taking into account the future developments of the situation and the economy's ability to compensate for potential losses through other trade and investment avenues.
Manaseryan believes that the consequences of such restrictions should be considered in the context of long-term trade and economic ties, the structure of sales markets, and business adaptation opportunities.
He stated that the Russian market has remained a key destination for Armenian producers for many years, and reorienting itself to new markets requires time, investment in logistics, and product promotion.
"Neither the Europeans nor the Turks, who promised sales markets, can completely replace the Russian market. This takes time. Consumers need to become familiar with new products, and new supply and logistics channels must be created," Manaseryan noted.
The expert also emphasized the importance of diversifying Armenia's foreign trade and exploring new export destinations while maintaining existing economic ties. He cited countries in the region and the Middle East, including Iran and the Arab states, as promising markets.
"New markets must be sought. But in my opinion, we should start with the region—with the Arab countries, primarily Iran, and other countries. I see no reason to sever ties with traditional partners," Manaseryan stated.
Restrictions on the supply of products from Armenia to the Russian Federation
Effective June 12, 2026, Russia has restricted the import of all quarantine products originating and shipped from Armenia, as well as their transit through the Russian Federation to EAEU member states.
The restrictions imposed by Rosselkhoznadzor (the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) include, among other things, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Previously, Russian regulators also imposed restrictions on the supply of Jermuk mineral water and certain types of alcoholic beverages from Armenia.
Rosselkhoznadzor cited the "systematic detection of quarantine organisms" in plant products and flowers from Armenia as the reason for the restrictions. It is noted that the ban will remain in effect until a specific algorithm for ensuring the safety and traceability of shipped goods is developed.
