ArmInfo. Armenian authorities are extending restrictions on foreign cement imports for another six months. The decision was made at a government meeting on June 18.
The rationale for the draft Cabinet resolution emphasizes that the adoption of this resolution is driven by the need to regulate cement imports from third countries and create a level playing field for cement produced in the local cement market. A government resolution dated December 4, 2025, introduced temporary (six months) restrictions on cement imports, requiring licensing of imported cement and a state duty of 8,000 drams per ton.
As a result of these measures, the competitiveness of cement produced in Armenia in the local market has improved somewhat. However, in 2025, Armenia's cement production index (0.94 million tons) decreased by 10.4% compared to 2024. According to the Statistical Committee, cement import volumes from third countries increased, with approximately 751,300 tons of cement imported to Armenia in 2025 (a 29.2% increase compared to 2024). Meanwhile, the competitiveness of local cement has further declined, worsening the financial situation of local cement producers. To this end, the country's parliament amended the Law on State Duty, setting the state duty for issuing a license to import cement from third countries at 800 times the basic duty for each import of up to one ton, instead of the previous 200 times.
At the same time, the increase in cement import volumes demonstrates that the proposed regulations do not hinder the import of cement from third countries, primarily from Iran. In order to continue government measures to stimulate the development of local production, it was deemed appropriate to continue the licensing process for cement imported from third countries, setting a new six-month deadline - until December 31, 2026.
