Import Tariff on Cement in Armenia to Be Increased

The import tariff on cement in Armenia will once again increase. The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia today adopted, in the first reading, a draft amendment to the Law on State Duties by a vote of 57 in favor, 1 against, and 21 abstentions.

According to the Deputy Minister of Economy, the tariff has been established considering that local cement factories have started to lose price competition to Iranian products. Production in Iran is cheaper due to state subsidies and lower energy costs.

Thus, the tariff was set at a level that allows local factories to operate. Currently, the cost of local cement stands at 42,000-44,000 drams per ton, while Iranian cement costs 30,000-31,000 drams, which is nearly 1.5 times cheaper.