YEREVAN. - According to the statistics for January-April, the overall production of food products has reduced by 3,1 per cent at an annual rate, constituting a little over 82,2 billion AMD (less than $172,6 million).

Food production constituted nearly 6,8 thousand AMD (less than $14,4) per capita average of month. Apparently, while reaching the consumer, this indicator grows by the amount of taxes and trade mark-ups. Together with this, the ‘minus’ impact is caused by export.

To visually present the food production per capita, it’s appropriate to mention the retail prices of two products of these groups. Thus, in April, 1kg of beef cost 2,5 thousand AMD, the price of pastirma - the dainty processed from it - constituting just below 8,8 thousand AMD.

Among the main food products, bread and cereal products marked the biggest fall in the overall production. The production of bread in January-February reduced by 1,8 thousand tons (1,8 per cent), pasta decreasing by 0,6 thousand tons (34,7 per cent).

In January-February the ‘production’ of sugar stopped, that of the vegetable oil reducing twice (by 51,7 per cent). However, no significant turmoil was observed in the trade market. 

According to Armenia’s National Statistical Service, the published foreign trade statistics are ‘incomplete.’ This ‘incomplete’ information suggests that the import of food products has decreased by $24,1 million, or by nearly a quarter.

Apparently, against the backdrop of the fall in national production, it would be more logical to expect the reverse, namely import activation. But only in case all the other factors (number and the solvency of the population, etc) remain unchanged.

Manufacturers and importers sharply react to any changes in the disposal of goods. For this reason reduction of resources of a number of food products on the market isn’t random and conjectural in nature, but is indicative of serious problems in the country.