Russia has restricted imports of dairy products from Armenia starting July 27. According to Rosselkhoznadzor, the agency's specialists conducted inspections at Armenian dairy-producing enterprises from July 14 to 21. The Russian side claims that "within the framework of the ongoing investigation, it was established that milk from infected animals was used in the production of products supplied to Russia." This is reported by FIP.

At the same time, Armenia's Food Safety Inspection Body reported that, although the Russian side has not yet provided official inspection results, the inspections "did not reveal confirmation of the use of milk from sick animals, nor the use of raw materials imported from other countries."

According to the inspection body, based on the documents submitted, the raw materials used in production "underwent laboratory testing and were found to be safe."

Amid the Russian restrictions, the "Fact-Checking Platform" (FIP) examined the structure of Armenia's milk and dairy product exports over the past two years, in order to assess the industry's dependence on the Russian market and the potential impact of the restrictions on Armenian exporters.

Structure of Milk and Dairy Product Exports by Product Category

According to the State Revenue Committee, Armenia exported approximately 3,500 tons of milk and dairy products in 2024, and approximately 2,400 tons in 2025 — meaning that export volume decreased by about 1,100 tons last year.

Cheese and cottage cheese accounted for the largest share of export volume.

Exports of fresh milk and cream amounted to 2.8 tons worth $18,600 in 2024, and 4.8 tons worth $35,100 in 2025.

Exports of condensed milk and milk powder amounted to 39.7 tons worth $87,600 in 2024, and 204 tons worth $886,200 in 2025.

Exports of the buttermilk, cream, matsun, and kefir product group amounted to 67.9 tons worth $95,400 in 2024, and 70.1 tons worth $109,200 in 2025.

Exports of whey and products made from other milk components amounted to about 38.5 tons worth $35,300 in 2024, and 0.2 kg in 2025.

Exports of butter and dairy fats (category 0405) amounted to 1,600 tons worth $11,400 in 2024, and 314.6 tons worth $2,300 in 2025.

Exports of cheese and cottage cheese amounted to approximately 1,700 tons worth $14 million in 2024, and 1,800 tons worth $16 million in 2025.