The decision was taken under pressure from European farmers concerned about competition. After this move, Ukrainian producers will be forced to sell more products on the markets of Asia and Africa, the news agency suggested.
It can also be expected that some Ukrainian sugar and grain will reach the Moldovan market, including through smuggling. This could create tension in the domestic market and cause discontent among local farmers.
It is for these reasons that last year Chisinau introduced licensing for imports of wheat, corn and sunflower, which is extended until December 31, 2025.
It should be recalled that after the outbreak of war in 2022, the EU opened its food markets and temporarily canceled duties or increased quotas for Ukraine and Moldova as a sign of solidarity, as well as for the reason of blocking export routes along the Black Sea. However, at the beginning of June 2025, the trade visa-free zone ended for the neighboring country. For seven items of Moldovan goods it is, strangely enough, still continuing. The doubled quotas on duty-free imports of plums, table grapes, apples, tomatoes, garlic, cherries and grape juice have not yet been canceled.
