Moldova’s Trade Balance Shifts as Exports Decline and Imports Increase

In the first five months of this year, the total value of domestically produced goods exported abroad reached $1.7 billion, which is a decrease of eight percent compared to the same period last year. Simultaneously, imports increased by 3.5 percent, totaling $3.7 billion. The European Union remains the Republic of Moldova’s main trading partner.

Data shows that over 61 percent of exports went to the European Union, with a value of over $1.05 billion, reflecting a decline of 12.5 percent. Export to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) increased by over 52 percent, reaching $435 million, accounting for a quarter of total exports.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS), this growth was driven by increased deliveries to Ukraine, amounting to $140 million.

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Romania remains the primary destination for domestic goods, receiving nearly one-third of Moldova’s exports. Ukraine follows with a share of over 17 percent. Other countries with significant export volumes include Italy, Germany, and Turkey.

Regarding imports, the majority of goods are sourced from the European Union, accounting for over 48 percent. Specifically, imports increased by 11 percent compared to the first five months of the previous year, totaling nearly $1.8 billion.

Imports from the CIS decreased by over 22 percent, amounting to approximately $780 million.

Moldova continues to purchase more products from Romania, holding a 16 percent share, followed by Ukraine with over 13 percent. Additionally, significant volumes of goods come from China, Turkey, and Germany.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first five months of this year, the trade balance recorded a deficit of over $1.9 billion, representing a 16 percent increase compared to the same period last year.