Dairy Trade Shock: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor will restrict dairy imports from Armenia starting July 27, citing alleged violations in traceability, veterinary paperwork, and production controls, including claims of milk from infected livestock and use of third-country raw materials. Regulator Pushback: Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Body says joint inspections at four dairy plants found no grounds to substantiate use of milk from sick animals or unsafe imported raw materials, even as the Russian ban moves ahead. Budget Watch: Armenia’s state budget ran a first-half surplus of AMD 67.3bn, with revenues up 14.7% to AMD 1.643tn and expenditures up 7% to AMD 1.576tn. Market Economy Bid: Armenia is pressing the US to grant market economy status for antidumping/countervailing purposes, with talks between Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan and US officials underway. Export Diversification: Armenia met Oman’s KV Group to expand fresh fruit and vegetable exports, including orchard and greenhouse supply plans. UNESCO Spotlight: Armenia’s Areni-1 Cave nomination was approved for UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, backed by public-private financing. Retail Labor Tension: Arinj Mall workers launched a petition after stalls were sealed, demanding restoration of employment rights while the mall’s owner, Gagik Tsarukyan, remains in custody.