The European Council approved the suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the European Union for another year. Thus, the Moldovan producers will be able to continue exporting table grapes, tomatoes, garlic, apples, cherries, plums and grape juice to the large European market without duties and quantitative restrictions, IPN reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, said that this decision represents a huge opportunity for the Moldovan entrepreneurs. “The liberalisation, even if it is temporary, helps our agricultural exports compete and helps our farmers identify new markets. While Russia imposes embargoes, the EU remains a strong partner, opening up the market more and more. Another proof of the European Union’s constant support for our country. We thank our European partners,” noted the Deputy Prime Minister.
According to the Ministry’s data, following the temporary liberalization of trade in 2021-2023, Moldovan exports to the European Union saw a remarkable increase. In the case of grapes, the increase was from 15,800 tonnes in 2021 to 32,300 tonnes in 2023. Exports of fresh apples increased from 1,000 tonnes to 13,200 tonnes in the same period. Plums witnessed a significant increase, rising from 25,800 tonnes to 60,400 tonnes. Cherries also saw a substantial increase, growing from 74,00 tonnes to 2,900 tonnes.
Some of the products exceeded the stipulated quotas, showing the appreciation and increased demand for the quality of Moldovan products. For example, grape exports exceeded quotas by 62%, plums saw an impressive increase of 300%, while cherries exceeded quotas by 93%.
“In addition to direct economic benefits, temporary liberalization has also had a positive impact on the Moldovan farmers. In 2023, they saved about €6 million and registered business worth US$89.5 million, up 129% compared to the previous year,” reads a press release from the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.
The EU’s autonomous trade measures for Moldova will apply from July 25, 2024 to July 24, 2025.
