Economist assesses prospects for Armenian fruit exports to Oman
Armenia will find it difficult to significantly increase fruit and berry exports to Oman, as shipping raises suppliers’ costs and poses a risk of disruptions. MK published economist Leonid Kholod’s assessment on October 31, citing URA.RU.
Discussing possible shipping routes, Kholod pointed to Iran and the northern Persian Gulf. He said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was difficult, while transport costs pushed up product costs. Expensive perishable goods may need to be shipped by air.
According to MK, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan previously announced that exports of apricots, sweet cherries, peaches, nectarines and strawberries to Oman had begun. Armenia hopes to increase shipments and expand the range to include apples, grapes and other fruits and berries.
Kholod believes Armenian produce can compete with goods from other countries. However, shipment volumes to Oman remain small. In the economist’s view, it is too early to consider the Omani market a full-fledged alternative to the Russian market.