Armenpress. Amid efforts to diversify export destinations following Russia’s restrictions on Armenian goods, Armenian flower producers have begun expanding into new markets, with shipments reaching Latvia and, most recently, Ukraine.
Russia has cited phytosanitary violations as the reason for the ban, which has been widely viewed by the EU as “economic coercion.”
Flowers grown in Armenia are among the products banned by Russia.
The EU has announced support measures to help Armenian exporters, and one batch of flowers consisting of 5,500 flowers has already been exported to Latvia.
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Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen announced earlier in June that Royal Flora Holland — the biggest Dutch conglomerate of florists and one of the largest auction companies in the world — is opening its marketplace for Armenian producers.
Armenian exporters have also been exploring opportunities in other markets, including Ukraine. Another shipment of Armenian flowers has already arrived in Ukraine.
A truck carrying 9,500 flowers was exported to Ukraine, while a second truck loaded with Armenian flowers is expected to arrive soon. The second shipment contains approximately the same number of flowers.
Speaking to Armenpress, Kyiv-based political analyst Marat Hakobyan said that the importer of Armenian flowers in Ukraine is an Armenian businessman residing in the country.
According to Hakobyan, the first shipment has almost been sold out, and the second truck is expected to reach Ukraine in the coming days.
He also noted that videos have already been circulating on social media in which flower shop owners show the Armenian flowers they have received and announce that sales have begun.
Ahead of the parliamentary elections held on June 7, Russia imposed restrictions and bans on the import of numerous Armenian goods, which remain in effect today. The move prompted exporters to look for new markets, including in the EU. The EU has since announced support measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, announced immediate financial assistance of more than €50 million, along with other support measures to facilitate trade, including measures to expand export opportunities for Armenian goods.
Shant Khlghatyan
