Between January 1 and June 10, 785.9 thousand metric tons of export and transit cargo were shipped out of the country by water, which is 36% more than in the first half of 2025 (though 15% less than in the first half of 2024).
Imports grew even more significantly. The total volume of cargo transshipped through Moldovan ports— approximately 1.48 million metric tons —significantly exceeds the figure for the first half of 2025 (1.08 million metric tons) and is nearly equal to the figure for the first half of 2024.
“Grain has been the driving force behind the recovery in maritime cargo traffic: 702,7 thousand metric tons (+39% compared to the first half of 2025). Grain accounts for 89% of the country’s maritime exports, once again highlighting the growing dependence of the country’s maritime shipments on the agricultural commodities market. It is noteworthy that grain’s share of maritime shipments has been nearly 90% for the fourth consecutive year,” notes Yuri Riza, an expert in agromarketing, in his analysis of Moldova’s maritime freight market.
Structure of maritime cargo flows by agricultural crop
The dynamics of maritime exports by product type are quite revealing. During the specified period in 2026, wheat shipments by sea had almost completely returned to the level of the first half of 2024 (351.8 thousand metric tons). This follows a nearly twofold decline in 2025.
Sunflower seeds are strengthening their role as the driving force behind maritime exports. Shipments of sunflower seeds have increased nearly tenfold in each of the analyzed periods over the last three seasons. And in 2026, it accounted for about 26% of the total volume of agricultural exports by sea.
Although corn exports increased compared to the first half of 2025, they remain one-third below the corresponding level in 2024. The long-term decline in the growth of seaborne shipments of this product continues.
Exports of grain processing products (sunflower oil, meal, and byproducts) have partially recovered, more than doubling compared to the slump seen in 2025. Notably, sunflower meal reappeared in the statistics (18.9 thousand metric tons) after exports had completely ceased in the first half of 2025. However, total exports of this commodity remain two-thirds lower than in the first half of 2024. Goods in this category account for only 7% of maritime exports of agri-food products.
As for inbound cargo shipments, there is steady domestic demand. Imports of goods by sea (excluding transit) reached 631,600 metric tons, which is higher than the figures for the previous two years. The main imports consist of diesel fuel, fertilizers, and construction materials (the largest category, accounting for 29% of shipments).
Ports
The Giurgiulești International Free Port is strengthening its position as Moldova’s main logistics hub. Exports reached 582,2 thousand metric tons, which is 32% more than in the first half of 2025 and only 6% less than in the first half of 2024.
The volume of grain shipped through the port (508,3 thousand metric tons) exceeds the figures for both of the previous years. This is driven by increased shipments of wheat (over 206 thousand metric tons) and sunflower seeds (195 thousand metric tons).
Giurgiulești also handles all exports of processed products and nearly all imports of fuel and fertilizers. In terms of total transshipment volume, the port even surpasses the level of the first half of 2024—evidence of its specialization: raw grain going out, strategically important resources coming in.
The river port of Ungheni presents a different picture of cargo flows. In the first half of 2026, exports are recovering (203.7 thousand metric tons, +52%) following a decline in 2025. However, they remain one-third below the figures for the first half of 2024.
The partial recovery in traffic is driven by active wheat shipments. At the same time, the port maintains its unique profile: it remains the only one through which live animals are shipped and which handles scrap metal shipments.
However, the most interesting trend is observed in the structure of imports. The port of Ungheni is showing significant growth in cargo imports, primarily fertilizers, salt, soda ash, and sugar. The port is transforming into an agro-industrial supply channel, offsetting the volatility of grain exports with imports.
Forecast
At present, there are grounds for expecting a busy agricultural season—with a bountiful harvest—which means a significant increase in port traffic.
Under these conditions, the efficiency of transshipment and ship loading becomes just as important a factor as cargo volume. Every day “saved at the berth” means timely fulfillment of contracts and lower logistics costs, which ultimately affects the purchase price received by farmers.
Recent experience shows just how vulnerable ports with low throughput capacity are. A vessel’s delay at the berth due to technical equipment issues can quickly lead to delays throughout the entire logistics chain.
