The import of this commodity exceeded 1 thousand tons in physical volume and accounted for 65% of the turnover. In monetary terms, purchases abroad are estimated at 26.61 million lei.
The export of Moldovan sunflower oil in June was much less – 575 tons worth 13.53 million lei (35% and 34% of the turnover, respectively).
It is noteworthy that the weighted average price at import was 24.8 lei/liter, at export – 23.5 lei/liter
“Unfortunately, for a long period of time, the expenses of economic entities of the Republic of Moldova for the purchase of sunflower oil abroad exceed the proceeds from the export of this commodity,” notes Iurie Rija, an expert in the field of agri-food marketing. – The difference in average prices between imported and exported products, albeit insignificant, can also affect the overall economic efficiency of trade operations”.
The situation is all the more unpleasant because two years ago Moldova was a net exporter of sunflower oil.
The key supplier of sunflower oil for Moldova in June 2025 was Ukraine, whose share in physical imports amounted to an impressive 83% (890.2 tons), in value terms – 80% (21.28 million lei). The average price of imported Ukrainian oil was the lowest – 23.9 lei/liter. This was probably the reason for such a significant volume of supplies. The Russian Federation ranks second with a 13% share in physical imports and 14% in value. Hungary takes the third place in the ranking of suppliers.
The main export destination of Moldovan sunflower oil in June was Romania – almost 330 tons, 57% of the total volume of physical supplies. The Netherlands and Bulgaria were also among the top three buyers.
