According to the explanatory note to the document, the measure is meant to restore Moldova’s position on the US market. It was developed taking into account the fact that import customs duties have a direct impact on the competitiveness of Moldovan exporters and determine the degree of integration of Moldova’s economy into global value chains.
The tariff measures applied by the USA to products from Moldova during 2025 ranged from 10% to 31%. Since February 24, a temporary additional duty of 10% has been imposed, which may be increased up to 15%, depending on the trade policy pursued by both countries.
Despite the fact that the Moldova-US trade deficit remains high (exceeding $145 million in 2025), imports of industrial equipment and high-precision devices, as well as medical equipment contribute to the growth of added value and modernization of production processes in Moldova. At the same time, Moldovan goods with a high share of added value, such as fruit juices, wines and some industrial products, are in demand in the U.S. market.
The Moldovan authorities estimate that the budgetary impact of this measure will be a $2.8 million annual reduction in revenues. At the same time, exports to the United States are expected to grow by 6%. In 2024, it amounted to $90.2 million, while in 2025 it will drop by half to $49.7 million.
