International trade
UPDATED. The Moldovan government imposes an emergency situation in the energy sector for 60 days. For this purpose, extraordinary sessions of the Government and Parliament will be held on Tuesday, March 24.
The Moldovan transport sector has been hit hardest by rising fuel prices. The authorities are ready to find the necessary solutions to mitigate the impact on the industry if the conflict in the Middle East continues.
Japan will release oil from the state reserve on March 26, such a decision was made at a meeting of line ministers headed by Prime Minister Takaichi on stabilizing oil supplies in connection with the crisis in the Middle East, Kyodo news agency reported.
Resolv Energy intends to obtain financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the construction and operation of a solar panel park with a capacity of more than 1,200 MW in Arad. If the idea is realized, the park will become the largest such facility in Europe. The preliminary investment volume is estimated at 1 billion euros.
World trade in wheat flour will fall to a four-year low in the 2025/26 marketing year. This forecast was issued by the International Grains Council (IGC). According to the organization’s estimates, trade volumes will be about 16 million tons (in terms of wheat), which is 3% less than last year. Sales are falling for the second season in a row.
Increase in tariffs for road transportation services is becoming a key factor in trade in agricultural products. The increase in diesel and gasoline prices by an average of 30% over the last two weeks has almost led to a situation where the sale of agricultural commodities becomes unprofitable due to high transportation costs.
In 2025, Brazil recorded the highest agricultural production in history and consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading powers in food production. This is according to the latest data from the Brazilian State Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
EU enlargement is a strategic investment in security, and the integration of Ukraine and Moldova directly contributes to regional stability and the development of energy, transportation and digital infrastructure. This was stated by Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, at the Conference on Security in the Black Sea Region organized in Chisinau under the auspices of the Crimean Platform.
The governments of Moldova and the German state of Baden-Württemberg will set up an intergovernmental mixed commission to expand cooperation in economy, agriculture, energy and other fields.
Spot prices for granulated urea in key FOB markets exceeded $700/t on the back of blocking most supplies from the Middle East, which limits available supply in the global market.
By the end of the current week gold in bullion was sold at about $4685 per ounce. That is, the price fell by about 7% during the week. The sharp rise in oil, natural gas and fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East increases inflationary concerns and makes it less likely that central banks will reduce the cost of borrowing. This has a negative impact on gold as it does not earn interest income.
The volume of car imports from China to the European Union for the first time exceeded the export of European car products to China, Ernst & Young (EY) – one of the world’s largest audit and consulting companies – reported.
US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened within 48 hours.
China is the world’s largest exporter of goods and plays a central role in supply chains for many countries. Nevertheless, Moldova is not critically dependent on imports of Chinese products.
Moldovan scientists and researchers are invited to more actively utilize the opportunities for cooperation with the EU in the field of science and innovation through the Office of the Republic of Moldova for Science and Technology to the EU (MOST).
The $80 billion global diamond industry is experiencing one of the most serious crises in history. Demand is declining, both rough and treated stones are becoming cheaper, and market participants have less and less faith in a quick recovery.
“The supply shocks underscore the risk that oil prices could stay above $100 longer in risky scenarios with longer disruptions and greater sustained supply losses,” Goldman Sachs analysts said.
Brussels has urged EU states to lower their gas storage fill targets and begin gradual replenishment of reserves amid a surge in energy prices due to the war in the Middle East.
The attacks on Iran increased the wholesale price of flour-grade wheat from the Black Sea region by about $6/t.
European scientists are developing bio-based fertilizers that would reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian imports. One promising solution is algae grown on wastewater.
