Armenian official says fish producers are ready for EU exports as sector seeks alternatives to Russia

By Lia Avagyan

Armenia's Food Safety Inspectorate said on Friday that almost all of the country's fish producers are technically ready to export to the European Union, as authorities seek to help the industry recover from the loss of its main export market in Russia.

Speaking at a press conference, Food Safety Inspectorate head Tigran Petrosyan said one company has already formally applied to begin exports to the EU, while many others have expressed interest. He said around 97% of Armenia's fish production companies are prepared to export to the bloc.

Petrosyan said companies wishing to export must be registered in the European Union's Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), the bloc's online platform for managing sanitary and phytosanitary certification and tracking imports and exports of animals, food and agricultural products. To obtain registration, they must apply to the Food Safety Inspectorate, which reviews documentation and conducts an audit before approving the company. Once registered, exporters receive a permanent identification code allowing them to ship products to any EU member state, although the inspectorate will continue conducting annual inspections. Four EU experts are expected to visit Armenia on July 20 to discuss preparations for the first shipment.

The announcement comes as Armenia's aquaculture sector faces one of its most difficult periods in years after Russia suspended imports of Armenian fish and fish products in June.

For years, Russia absorbed around 98% of Armenia's fish exports, worth about $80 mn in 2025. The government has since accelerated legal reforms needed for exports to the EU and introduced support measures, including transport subsidies and temporary loan repayment deferrals.

However, producers and trade experts caution that gaining regulatory access to the European market is only part of the challenge.

Several fish farmers told CivilNet earlier this week that the industry remains in deep crisis. Producers say they are struggling to pay feed suppliers and electricity bills, while some have sharply reduced feeding to keep fish alive at the lowest possible cost. They argue that transportation costs and higher production expenses leave Armenian fish unable to compete with European suppliers, despite meeting regulatory requirements.

Also read: After Russia's ban, Armenia's fish farmers still struggle to find new markets

Trade experts also warn against viewing Europe as a quick replacement for Russia.

Hovsep Patvakanian, head of the Investment Council of Armenia, told CivilNet that the EU market is "intricate," with intense competition and difficult access to major retail chains. He argued that export diversification is not simply about complying with EU regulations but about competitiveness, logistics, pricing and matching the right products to the right markets. Replacing the Russian market could take three to four years and will require diversification across the European Union, Gulf countries, Central Asia and other destinations rather than relying on Europe alone.

While Friday's announcement suggests Armenia has largely completed the regulatory work needed to access the EU market, producers say commercial success will ultimately depend on whether Armenian fish can compete on price and secure buyers in one of the world's most competitive food markets.