Armenian fish producers will be able to export fish, caviar, and roe to the European Union starting 16 March, following regulatory approval. Exporters must be registered in the EU’s TRACES system to meet food safety and traceability requirements.
Tigran Petrosyan, Deputy Head of Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Agency, described this as a major milestone, marking the country’s first access to the EU seafood market. Unlike neighbouring countries, which have received approval for limited fish products, Armenia has been cleared to export all fish industry products.
Armenian fish can reach European markets within a few hours by air and 4–5 days by land. The industry has expanded recently, with businesses adopting new technologies to improve water efficiency and product quality. The economy ministry offers support for companies investing in modern processing equipment.
In 2024, Armenia produced 27,000 tonnes of industrial fish, a 5% increase from 2023. 15,000 tonnes were exported, primarily to Russia, the US, and the UAE. The EU market presents a new opportunity, but industry leaders note that businesses will need to assess demand, establish partnerships, and address logistics. Fish exports to the EU are expected to begin this year.