News about International trade
Iran’s oil exports have not collapsed since the outbreak of war, and oil prices have risen significantly. In addition, the country remains the only Middle Eastern producer of black gold whose tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz unimpeded.
The government has approved a methodology that allows for prompt adjustment of passenger transportation tariffs depending on the rise in fuel prices. Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Volodymyr Bolea said that the new mechanism will come into force immediately after its publication, i.e. on Thursday, March 26, in the afternoon. At the same time, compensations to carriers to reduce the burden on passengers are being discussed.
In 2025, the United States was the world’s largest producer of crude oil and condensate, producing 13.58 million barrels per day (mb/d), well ahead of Russia (9.87 mb/d) and Saudi Arabia (9.51 mb/d). Together, these three countries were responsible for 39% of global crude oil production in 2025.
The National Energy Regulatory Agency (NERA) has set new maximum fuel prices that will be in effect tomorrow, March 27.
Viktor Orbán’s threat announced yesterday has today materialized into a decree of the Hungarian government. On Thursday morning, portfolio.hu reported that the government announced a package of decrees to increase strategic gas reserves and, quoting the publication, to stop exporting natural gas to Ukraine.
The European potato market is facing a significant excess of supply over demand, forcing farmers to pay extra to dispose of the produce.
Romania’s first private airport project near Bucharest has attracted a Swiss investor to accelerate development and finance construction. It is about the future airport in Alexeni with a total investment of about €400 million.
Barley in Moldova is one of the most stable crops of the grain group in recent seasons. Its export volumes are moderately progressive, prices are growing. Not a typical, but striking fact: in the 2025/26 season, the average price of barley exceeded the average price of wheat. Nevertheless, the area of barley planted for the 2026 harvest in the country, according to experts of the Ministry of Agriculture, has not increased for a number of reasons.
The South Korean government is urgently putting the economy on crisis management rails in preparation for worst-case scenarios in the Middle East. The prolonged war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have dealt a huge blow to the country, which is critically dependent on energy imports.
The Moldovan Defense Ministry received a batch of Quantum System unmanned aerial vehicles from Germany. The equipment was donated as part of a project aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the National Army.
Iran’s strikes on the Ras Laffan gas hub in Qatar disrupted helium production and showed how the conflict is hitting technology and medicine beyond energy markets.
Fendt Chairman of the Board of Management Christoph Groblinghoff predicts that the agricultural machinery market will only resume growth from 2027. At the same time, he warns of increased competition from Chinese agricultural machine manufacturers.
During the past week, May cane sugar futures (#11) on the New York exchange rose 7% to $15.86/lb or $350/t (+8.8% for the month). This is the maximum for the last seven months. White sugar (#5) at the exchange in London added 8.7% to $462.5/t (+13% for the month). In general, according to the estimates of experts of analytical agencies, in March world sugar prices increased by 9-13%. Before that, in February, they fell to a five-year low.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday concluded a free trade agreement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaniz. The agreement opens access to Australia’s most important raw materials, including aluminum, lithium and manganese. Australia also reduces duties on most EU goods and agricultural exports.
As a result of face-to-face inspections carried out by inspectors of the National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) at the border points of the Republic of Moldova, a consignment of 10.5 tons of poor-quality imported dried fruit mixture (apples, apricots, plums, cherries) was detected.
Specifying the country of origin of goods may increase sales of local producers up to 15% in the fresh produce segment. Such a draft was discussed on Wednesday, March 25, in the parliamentary commission for economy, budget and finance.
For the period of sharp fluctuations in fuel prices, tariffs for inter-district and district regular passenger road transportation will be adjusted to reflect the increase in diesel fuel prices.
Latvia has approved a bill to reduce excise duty on diesel fuel by 15%. This will reduce the price by 8.6 cents per liter, including VAT. In addition, excise duty will be reduced on diesel fuel for farmers, which will reduce its price by 5.9 cents per liter.
Moldova will cover the costs of restoring the damaged section of the Isaccea-Vulcanesti line running through Ukraine, while the technical work will be carried out by the Ukrainian side.
U.S. business activity growth slowed to an eleven-month low in March as companies grappled with increased uncertainty and rising living costs associated with the nearly month-long war in Iran.
