Among agricultural products of the grain group, the decline in corn exports was the most pronounced. In the record marketing year of 2021/22, supplies of this commodity abroad exceeded 1.4 million tons.
In monetary terms, the export revenue for the last season amounted to 588.3 million lei. This is 59% less than in the 2023/24 season and 91% less than in the 2021/22 season. The sharp decline in export dynamics in the current season is explained by the poor 2024 corn harvest, i.e. a very limited commodity resource for export.
The reduction of Moldovan corn supplies abroad has been observed since the second half of last year, i.e. even before the harvest. The first small surge in external supplies of this commodity occurred only in February 2025. In March, the revival of exports continued. But only in April the volume of external supplies (more than 33 thousand tons) exceeded the level of the same month of 2024.
Gradual increase in exports by the end of the marketing year 2024/25 is due to more attractive price. In April, Moldovan corn was sold at 4.43 lei/kg, which prompted traders to intensify foreign shipments.
It should be noted that the peak price in the season ending was recorded at the very beginning of the season – last August (5.48 lei/kg). The main reason was the fear of crop decline due to drought and limited supply (at that time). However, later the prices gradually decreased, as the regional market was well supplied (especially due to massive exports from Ukraine). Characteristically, subsequent price spikes were observed in February and April 2025, which, presumably, was a consequence of intensified export demand.
Although the average export price in spring of this year increased to 4.25 lei/kg, exceeding the level of the previous season (3.28 lei/kg), it remains below the averages for the seasons 2021/22 (average 4.73 lei/kg) and 2022/23 (average 5.04 lei/kg).
International price dynamics directly affect the Moldovan market. In Ukraine, steady demand from Turkey continues to support a relatively high price level. And the reduction of exports from Russia contributes to the reduction of global corn supply. This combination of factors is pushing up global prices, including in the Black Sea region. However, the rapid development of the planting campaign in Ukraine is likely to curb the upward trend in corn prices in the region, including Moldova.
