If Armenia leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), it could lose nearly 40 percent of its trade turnover. RIA Novosti reached this conclusion after analyzing data from national statistical services.

Yerevan could lose the trade privileges it received through membership in the union. These include a unified low five-percent customs tariff and, in some cases, the right to import goods duty-free.

In 2025, Armenia exported goods worth $3.2 billion to EAEU countries and imported $5 billion. Russia was the main buyer and supplier, with figures of $2.9 billion and $4.87 billion, respectively. As a result, trade turnover between Armenia and EAEU countries reached $8.2 billion, while trade with the rest of the world totaled $13.2 billion. This means trade with the EAEU accounted for 38.5 percent of Armenia’s total trade volume.

Earlier in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Armenia’s leadership not to delay resolving the issue of participation in either the European Union or the EAEU, suggesting that a referendum could even be organized. Before that, he repeatedly stated that Armenia has the right to independently choose its partners, but that membership in two customs unions simultaneously is impossible. The Russian president proposed discussing the issue at the next EAEU summit, scheduled for May 28-29 in Astana.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would not attend the event because of the election campaign.