Bulgaria is Moldova’s sixth largest trading partner in the European Union, according to the Moldovan Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.
Sunflower seeds became the main export item of Moldova to Bulgaria, reaching $51.4 million, 275% more than in 2023.
The second largest item was rapeseed. It was shipped for $13.9 million.
A significant growth was also observed in sunflower oil exports, amounting to $12.9 million, which is 1157% more than in the previous year.
Other notable items of Moldovan exports to Bulgaria include gas meters ($8.6 million, up 43.8% y-o-y); petroleum oils ($2.8 million, up 206% y-o-y); wires and cables: $2 million.
Moldova imports from Bulgaria mainly products such as double-glazed windows, electrical conductors, detergents, plastic packaging and various foodstuffs.
To date, the largest Bulgarian investment in Moldova is Doverie United-Holding’s 2019 acquisition of shares in Moldindconbank, the second largest bank in the republic by capital. It owns 79.2% of its shares. In total, 176 enterprises with Bulgarian capital operate in Moldova, with total investments amounting to 118.5 million lei.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, about 54,000 ethnic Bulgarians live in Moldova, which is 1.9% of the country’s population. Most of them live in Taraclia district, the rest in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, as well as in Cahul, Cantemir and Leova districts.
