ArmInfo.Armenia faces an imminent transition to a persistent regime of agricultural imports, according to Vahe Davtyan, political analyst and Doctor of Political Sciences.
Davtyan highlighted the recent statement by Rosselkhoznadzor, which introduces restrictions on fruit and vegetable imports from Armenia starting May 30.
He recalled the statement by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), which has been restricting fruit and vegetable imports from Armenia since May 30.
"Are you planning to export agricultural products to Turkey via the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, which operates under severe difficulties? Fine. But let me remind you that Turkey is the absolute leader in Europe in terms of agricultural production volume. As of 2023, its agricultural output reached $68.9 billion. Agriculture accounts for about 7% of Turkey's GDP and employs around 20% of its workforce," the political analyst noted.
According to Davtyan, from 2002 to 2024, Turkey’s agricultural GDP grew from $25 billion to $74 billion, while its exports increased from $3.8 billion to $32.6 billion. Citing World Bank data, he added that in 2023, Turkey ranked eighth globally and first in Europe for agricultural production volume, outperforming both Russia and France.
"Do you know what this means? This summer, we will enjoy good, inexpensive fruits and vegetables. But after that, the real trouble begins. Having lost its export and distribution outlets, Armenia's agricultural sector will cease to be a competitive economic domain, transitioning into a persistent import-reliant regime," Vahe Davtyan emphasized.
Earlier today, Rosselkhoznadzor announced that, effective May 30, 2026, temporary restrictions will be imposed on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green vegetables, and strawberries originating in and originating in Armenia until an appropriate protocol for ensuring the safety of shipped products is developed. The announcement noted that the decision was made due to the increasing number of violations in the supply of Armenian fruit and vegetable products to Russia and to ensure phytosanitary safety. Previously, Russia restricted the supply of Armenian flowers, mineral water, and alcoholic beverages from certain producers.
Armenian experts believe that the Russian sanctions are primarily related to the significant deterioration in Armenian-Russian relations and the obvious rapprochement between Yerevan and Brussels.
