More than 300 Armenian product groups to receive duty-free access to EU market

YEREVAN — More than 300 categories of Armenian products will soon be able to enter the European Union market without import duties under temporary trade preferences approved by the EU for a two-year period.

The measures, given final approval by the Council of the European Union on September 24, are expected to cover goods representing roughly 80 per cent of Armenia’s current exports to the EU.

The preferential regime will include a broad range of agricultural and manufactured products, including canned foods, juices, dried fruits, nuts, herbs and spices, textiles, footwear and other industrial goods.

For eight categories of agricultural products, the EU will also eliminate ad valorem duties within established tariff quotas.

The EU Delegation to Armenia said the measures are expected to be formally signed and published in the coming weeks, after which Armenian exporters will be able to benefit from the new trade conditions.

The initiative is intended to make Armenian products more competitive in the European market by reducing the cost of access for exporters. Producers in sectors ranging from agriculture and food processing to textiles and light manufacturing are expected to be among the main beneficiaries.

The EU highlighted producers in regions such as Ararat, Armavir and Shirak, including fruit growers, flower producers and textile manufacturers, as examples of businesses that could gain greater access to European consumers.

The temporary preferences are also expected to create new opportunities for Armenian companies seeking to expand beyond the domestic and regional markets, while potentially increasing export revenues and supporting employment in communities tied to the affected industries.

The duty-free arrangement will remain in force for two years.