Armenian apricots can be replaced with Turkish ones, cherries with Azerbaijani supplies, Russia says

Armenian apricots can be replaced by increased imports from Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, while sweet cherries can be sourced from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Moldova. This was stated by Dmitry Leonov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Rusprodsoyuz, in comments to TASS.

Earlier, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced temporary restrictions on the import of cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, and grapes from Armenia, effective June 2, 2026.

“Importers will be able to increase supplies from alternative countries, as existing logistics chains are already adapted for a rapid switch between different suppliers,” Leonov said.

According to him, Armenian grapes could be replaced by imports from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Egypt, India, and China. Cherries may be sourced from Serbia and Moldova, nectarines from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Egypt, India, and China, and peaches from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

Leonov also noted that Armenian fruits and stone fruits account for only a small share of Russia’s total imports. “Therefore, restrictions on their import will not have a significant impact on overall supply volumes,” he said.

“The Russian fruit and vegetable market is highly diversified, allowing it to quickly adapt to changes in product availability and assortment,” Leonov added.