The media are actively discussing the consequences of Russian economic restrictions against Armenia, which has changed course towards joining the EU. In this regard, the telegram channel “Sector of Mountains” analyzed the latest publication of the Statistical Committee of Armenia on Foreign Trade for January – May 2026.

Firstly, the publication says that the role of the UAE has sharply decreased: their share in Armenian exports has fallen from 29% to 8%. This indicates a weakening of the previous re-export effect associated with precious metals.

Secondly, the role of the EU has significantly increased. Share The share of EU in Armenia’s exports has increased from 8% to 16.1%, and the total trade turnover is about 17%. Bulgaria and Belgium stand out in particular.

Thirdly, China is becoming one of the key destinations: its share in exports has increased from 7.1% to 14.2%.

Another signal is a decrease in the role of Russia in imports: the share of the Russian Federation in the country of origin decreased from 34.7% to 23.3%.

“In general, Armenia’s foreign trade is gradually moving out of the “UAE/precious metals” anomaly and is being redistributed to the side EU and China. However, at the same time, the trade deficit continues to grow,” the report says.

Read more: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/07/07/change-of-course-what-is-happening-in-armenias-foreign-trade