Armenia Extends Cement Import Ban

Armenia's temporary ban on cement imports has been extended for an additional six months, from July 17, 2023, to January 17, 2024. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting held today.

The government justifies the necessity of this decision by citing the increase in domestic cement production that has resulted from the ban. According to official data presented by the Ministry of Economy, 578,000 tons of cement were produced in Armenia in the second half of 2022, which is 15.7% higher than the figures from the same period in 2021. Furthermore, in January-March 2023, 145.9 tons of cement were produced, reflecting a 46% increase compared to the same period last year.

It is worth noting that in October 2022, in response to a deficit in the cement market, the Armenian government revised the tariffs on imported cement and raw materials, reducing the existing tariff from 14,000 AMD per ton to 2,000 AMD, and eliminating the clinker tariff entirely. The government believes that this will also create equal competitive conditions for local producers.