The 2025 cherry season presents both challenges and opportunities for Moldovan producers, amid significant fluctuations on the international market, the Moldova Fruit Association reports.
Although export volumes dropped compared to the previous year — totaling 8,000 tons in June 2025, down from 10,000 tons in June 2024 — the total export value surged to $20 million, up from $13 million during the same period last year. This growth reflects a 51.4% increase in the average export price, which helped offset the lower quantities.
The regional context played a significant role in driving up export values. While Italy experienced a strong harvest and rising demand, key producing countries Greece and Turkey faced severe crop losses due to extreme spring weather, affecting their supply. Moldova’s harvest was also impacted by these conditions, limiting available volumes for export.
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In addition to higher values, the geographical structure of exports shifted notably. In 2024, Moldova exported 84% of its cherries to the CIS countries. In 2025, their share declined to 70%, while exports to European Union countries rose from 16% to 28%. New markets include Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Denmark.
The Romanian market growth. In June 2025, Moldova exported 1,666 tons of cherries to Romania — nearly double the volume recorded in June 2024 (842 tons). The value of exports to Romania also increased by 65%, highlighting the country’s growing importance as a trading partner.