Armenia’s exports to EU surge 80% in first half of 2026

(Horizon Media / YEREVAN) — Armenia’s exports to European Union countries rose sharply in the first half of 2026, reaching approximately $516.5 million, an increase of 80.2% from $286.6 million during the same period last year.

The increase comes despite an overall decline in Armenian exports. Total exports fell 6.7% year-on-year to $3.43 billion in January-June, while the country’s overall foreign trade turnover remained virtually unchanged at about $9.57 billion. Trade with EU countries, by contrast, expanded 46.2% to roughly $1.69 billion.

Much of the growth in EU-bound exports was concentrated in Bulgaria and Belgium. Exports to Bulgaria reached $179.7 million, more than six times the figure recorded a year earlier, while shipments to Belgium more than doubled to $113.7 million. Together, the two markets accounted for roughly 91% of the year-on-year increase in Armenia’s exports to the EU.

The European Union was Armenia’s third-largest trading partner in 2025 and its fourth-largest export market, with Armenian exports to the bloc consisting primarily of manufactured goods and mining products. EU-Armenia trade relations are governed by the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered fully into force in March 2021.