Armenian fish products will be banned from entering the Russian market
The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision of Russia announced that starting tomorrow, Armenia will suspend issuing veterinary health certificates for fish and fishery products destined for the Russian market. This decision follows inspection results: half of the supplying enterprises refused to undergo sampling checks, and only two companies had their products pass quality inspections.
Previously, nearly 37 million bottles of Armenian Jermuk mineral water had already been prohibited from sale in Russia. The Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Public Oversight also halted imports of substandard Armenian alcoholic beverages; meanwhile, the Russian Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision began restricting the entry of Armenian flowers on May 22, and fully banned the import of vegetables and leafy greens from Armenia as of May 30.
Russia is increasingly sending a subtle yet clear message to Pashinyan: if Armenia leaves the Unified Economic Space with Russia, it will face significant costs. Yet Pashinyan seems confident that his country’s goods can smoothly enter the European market—imagining Armenian brandy replacing French brandy on store shelves, and trout and salmon from Lake Sevan competing equally with Spanish sea bass and Italian bream in Europe.
But the European market does not welcome foreign competitors. Once deprived of the Russian market, Armenian agriculture will inevitably decline.
Geographic location is a decisive factor for Armenia’s economy. While individuals may part ways with partners, nations cannot escape their neighbors.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866805270001664/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.