Armenia’s economic growth in the first five months of 2026 was driven primarily by strong performance in construction and industry, while the services sector also posted steady expansion.

According to data released by the Statistical Committee, the economic activity index grew by 8% in January–May 2026 compared to the same period last year.

In May alone, the index was 9.9% higher than in April and 11.7% higher than in May 2025.

The strongest growth was again recorded in the construction sector. In the first five months of 2026, construction output increased by 24.1% year-on-year, reaching 207.34 billion drams.

In May, construction activity rose by 27.2% compared to April and by 27.1% compared to May last year, reaching 62.69 billion drams.

Industrial output increased by 12.2% in January–May compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.266 trillion drams.

In May alone, industrial production rose by 1.2% compared to April and by 9.5% year-on-year, totaling 262.99 billion drams.

Retail and wholesale trade turnover increased by 1.2% in January–May year-on-year, reaching 2.570 trillion drams.

However, in May, trade fell by 1.6% compared to April and remained unchanged compared to May last year. Total trade turnover in May stood at 555.78 billion drams.

The services sector (excluding trade) grew by 9.1% in January–May compared to last year, reaching 1.734 trillion drams.

In May, services increased by 6.9% compared to April and by 14.7% compared to May 2025, totaling 391.31 billion drams.

Consumer prices increased by 4.5% in January–May compared to the same period last year.

In May, prices fell by 0.8% compared to April but were 4.2% higher than in May 2025.

Industrial producer prices rose by 8.9% in January–May year-on-year. In May, they increased by 1.6% compared to April and by 9% compared to May last year.

Armenia produced 3.994 billion kWh of electricity in January–May 2026, up 7.7% year-on-year.

In May, electricity production fell by 2.3% compared to April but increased by 13.3% compared to May last year, reaching 656.9 million kWh.

The figures exclude electricity produced by self-generating autonomous producers. To ensure comparability, electricity produced by autonomous producers involved in electricity exchanges was also excluded from the corresponding indicators of previous periods when calculating growth rates.

Data on agricultural output and average monthly nominal wages were not published for the reporting period.

Armenia’s foreign trade saw a slight overall decline in the first five months of 2026, with total turnover edging down by 0.1% compared to the same period last year, according to the Statistical Committee.

Official data show that Armenia’s foreign trade turnover in January–May 2026 decreased by 0.1% compared to the same period last year, amounting to $7.8647 billion.

In May, compared to April, trade turnover decreased by 5.6%, and compared to May of the previous year, it fell by 5.3%. In the last month of spring, trade turnover amounted to $1.5029 billion.

Exports in January–May were 3.7% lower than in the same period last year, totaling $2.8649 billion. In May, export volume decreased by 4.7% compared to April and by 11.5% compared to May 2025. Exports from Armenia in May were valued at $522.7 million.

Imports in January–May increased by 2.2% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching $4.9998 billion. In May, imports decreased by 6.1% compared to April and by 1.6% compared to May of the previous year. Import volume in May amounted to $980.2 million.

The average exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the US dollar from January to May was 375.53, while in May it stood at 368.55 drams per dollar.

Tigran Petrosyan, Head of the Food Safety Inspectorate Body of the Republic of Armenia, held a meeting with Rishan Chaudhry, Agricultural Attaché, USDA, U.S. Embassy in Türkiye; Demna Dzirkvadze, Senior Agricultural Affairs Specialist, USDA, U.S. Embassy in Georgia; and Edward Eichler, Chief of the Economic and Commercial Section, U.S. Embassy in Armenia.

The inspection agency said in a press release that the meeting addressed issues related to the export of agricultural products and flowers from Armenia to the United States, as well as transit shipments to other countries via Türkiye, the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, ensuring product traceability, registration of economic operators in the TRACES system, maximum allowable levels of residue substances in products, and the development of laboratory capacity.

The parties, while examining issues hindering the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, emphasized the importance of implementing joint steps to overcome them.

An agreement was reached to deepen cooperation between the authorized bodies of the two countries, which is expected to contribute to increased trade turnover, the strengthening of economic ties, and the diversified development of the market.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. David Allen has visited the Syunik region to become familiar with programs implemented through the Armenian-American partnership and the possibilities for their expansion.

“From Kapan to Meghri, Goris, and Sisian, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. David Allen’s visit to Syunik highlighted the growing U.S.-Armenia partnership across the region,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement, posting a video of Allen detailing his visit.

Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan held a meeting on Thursday with exporting business representatives.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss existing state support programs and to hear business representatives’ proposals in order to make them more effective and better targeted, the ministry said in a press release.

The discussion also covered issues related to increasing the competitiveness of Armenian products, developing new export destinations, boosting export volumes, and expanding the presence of Armenian goods in international markets.

The minister emphasized that export promotion and market diversification are key priorities of the government’s economic policy.

He presented programs implemented by the Ministry of Economy, which are aimed at addressing challenges faced by exporters and creating new opportunities. The business representatives raised their concerns, outlined risks in external markets, and presented their proposals and vision for sector development.

Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan attended an environmental reception in London, where he met King Charles III.

King Charles joined delegates from politics, science, business, and international climate diplomacy at the reception at St James’s Palace, held during London Climate Action Week 2026.

Matevosyan was invited to the event by the King.

“The reception brought together high-level representatives from international climate policy, science, business, and philanthropic sectors, with the aim of strengthening cooperation on joint efforts to reduce emissions of super pollutants and combat climate change. Such prestigious international platforms contribute to deepening dialogue between countries, strengthening mutual trust, and shaping new directions for cooperation. Armenia values the continued development of its partnership with the United Kingdom in the fields of environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation,” the Armenian minister said in a social media post, sharing a photo of himself greeting Charles III.

According to The Independent, the reception focused on accelerating momentum for action against super-pollutants, featuring speeches from UK energy secretary Ed Miliband, Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley, and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres.

Robert William, a lifelong Glendale resident and veteran member of the Glendale Police Department, was officially appointed on June 23 as the department’s 21st chief of police, becoming the first Armenian-American to lead the agency.

“The City of Glendale is proud to announce the appointment of Robert William as Chief of Police for the Glendale Police Department, following his successful service as Interim Chief since December 2025,” the city authorities announced in a press release.

The Armenian Report media outlet described the appointment as “a moment of pride for Glendale’s Armenian community and the city at large.”

“I am proud to have become the first ethnic Armenian police chief of Glendale. However, my goal was never to become the first Armenian police chief. My goal has been to become a police chief who can keep the city safe,” he told USArmenia TV.

According to him, his Armenian identity has always played an important role in his life.

“I do not have an Armenian surname. My father is Assyrian and Armenian, my mother is Armenian. In our home, we only spoke Armenian,” the newly appointed police chief noted.

The newly appointed police chief also highly praised cooperation with the Police of Armenia and expressed hope that it will further expand in the future.

A lifelong Glendalian and dedicated public servant, Chief William brings more than 24 years of experience, leadership, and commitment to the Glendale community. His appointment follows a distinguished career within the Glendale Police Department that began as a Police Cadet before he was sworn in as a Police Officer in 2003. Over the course of his career, he has served in operational, investigative, administrative, and executive leadership assignments, earning a reputation as a thoughtful, forward-looking leader committed to both public safety and community trust.

“Chief William represents the very best of the Glendale Police Department,” said City Manager Roubik Golanian. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex challenges while advancing the department’s long-term vision. I am confident that under Chief William’s leadership, the Glendale Police Department will continue to set the standard for professionalism in public service.”

“Chief William’s appointment reflects the strength and professionalism of the Glendale Police Department,” said Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “As someone who has dedicated his entire career to serving Glendale, he understands our community, our values, and our expectations. His leadership has already helped shape the department’s future, and I am confident Glendale will continue to thrive under his direction.”

As Chief of Police, William’s priorities include strengthening leadership at every level of the organization, investing in employee development and wellness, embracing innovation and emerging technologies, enhancing accountability and transparency, and continuing to build strong partnerships throughout the community. He has also cultivated strong relationships with regional public safety partners, helping ensure Glendale remains engaged in important countywide public safety initiatives and discussions.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police, Chief William holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has indicated that he does not plan a reshuffle in his next cabinet, which is expected to be formed soon following the victory of his Civil Contract party in the parliamentary elections, where it secured a majority.

“I do not see the need for changes in the composition of the cabinet—deputy prime ministers and ministers—and I do not plan any,” Pashinyan said at a press briefing when asked whether he plans such changes.

“I think some changes may take place at other levels of the government,” he added.

Armenia is set to introduce a nationwide IMEI code registration and monitoring system aimed at regulating the mobile phone market and curbing the circulation of illegally imported devices, with Prime Minister Pashinyan announcing the “end of the black market era” for mobile phones.

The Cabinet approved a bill on amendments and additions to the Law on Electronic Communications, envisaging a unified IMEI code registration and monitoring system, under which only legally imported or properly registered mobile phones will be activated on mobile networks.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting that the mobile phone market in Armenia is one of the largest shadow markets and that systemic and civilized solutions are needed to address it.

“The era of the black market for mobile phones is coming to an end. No phone whose legal import is not confirmed will be allowed to operate in the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

According to the Prime Minister, the main target of the regulation is the business sector and the market. At the same time, separate rules will be established for individuals to ensure that no issues arise when importing phones for personal use.

“There is no need for any tension for individuals. There will be regulations on how often a person can import a phone for personal use—once a year or once every two years,” the Prime Minister noted.

Pashinyan said the draft will also be discussed with industry representatives and parliamentary partners, and hearings will be held, but the decision will not be delayed.

“The decision must enter into force on January 1, 2027, and it must work,” he stressed.

According to the government, the lack of IMEI code control in Armenia contributes to the circulation of undeclared, counterfeit, or altered IMEI mobile phones. This leads to tax losses, disruption of market competition, as well as increased technical and security risks.

The proposed regulation envisages the creation of a unified state IMEI system and its interoperability with databases of customs authorities, telecom operators, and other government bodies. The system will allow cross-checking of customs data, operator activations, and international registries, permitting activation only of legally imported or properly registered devices.

The draft also provides individuals with the opportunity to register the IMEI code of their new mobile phones online.

In addition, importing and selling mobile phones as a business activity will only be allowed upon notification of the authorized body. According to the government, this activity has so far been carried out without clear regulations and restrictions.

The government believes that the introduction of the system will help reduce the shadow economy, improve tax administration, regulate the mobile device market, protect consumers, and prevent phone theft and fraud.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed opposition claims that the results of the June 7 parliamentary elections are illegitimate, insisting that electoral legitimacy is determined by the people and is reflected in the official results.

“Let’s not forget that there is one source of legitimacy, and that is the people. It is the people who assess whether their choice has taken place or not. If anyone has even sufficient observational skills, they will easily notice with the naked eye that the people have confirmed their choice, and this is reflected in the official election results,” the Prime Minister said at a press briefing.

When asked about his position on the fact that seven political forces have challenged the election results in the Constitutional Court, Pashinyan said he would not comment on the matter, as he does not consider it appropriate.

“Our positions will be presented by our team members in the Constitutional Court, because I have received a letter from the Constitutional Court stating that Civil Contract has been involved in the Constitutional Court proceedings as a third party,” the Prime Minister said.

Motions to the Constitutional Court seeking to annul the results, citing alleged fraud, were filed by the Strong Armenia bloc, Wings of Unity party, Democracy, Law and Order party, Prosperous Armenia party, the Rally for the Republic party, the Armenia Alliance, and the New Power Reformist Party.

Only three political forces entered parliament following the June 7 vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission’s final results.

According to the commission, the Civil Contract party won 49.7% of the vote, securing a majority in the next parliament, while the Strong Armenia bloc came in second with 23.2%. The Armenia Alliance won 9.9%.

The ruling Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, will hold 64 seats, while businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia bloc will have 29 seats. The Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, will hold 12 seats.