Armenia could lose 80% of cheese export revenues as Russia suspends imports

Armenia could lose more than 80% of its cheese export revenues after Russia suspended imports of the country’s dairy products, according to national statistics cited by RIA Novosti.

In 2025, Armenia earned $16.4 million from cheese exports, with Russia accounting for $13.5 million. Russia has been the only market consistently importing Armenian cheese in million-dollar volumes each month. Other buyers included the United States ($1.8 million) and Georgia ($670,900).

Russia’s agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said it was suspending imports of all Armenian dairy products following inspections that raised quality concerns. The agency also stopped imports of quarantine-regulated goods and their transit through Russia to other Eurasian Economic Union states. Officials emphasized the measures were linked to product safety rather than politics.