Trade and economic ties between Moldova and Russia have sharply declined over the past two years due to the war in Ukraine.
Logistics have become more complex, and delivery costs have risen. Russia imposed an embargo on Moldovan fruits in August 2022, albeit partially lifted later. Market players attribute the decrease in agricultural exports more to logistical disruptions than the embargo itself.
Efforts to find alternative markets have yielded some success. In 2023, Russia's share in Moldovan apple exports dropped to 45%, with Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan accounting for 35%. Plum exports to post-Soviet countries decreased from over 60% to 18% in 2023.
Moldova Ministry of Agriculture data shows a significant shift from reliance on the Russian market, with exports diversifying to 17 countries. However, achieving independence from the Russian market remains an ongoing process.
Experts consider the current situation the lowest point in Moldova-Russia economic relations; however, some experts foresee a continued downward trend. Moldova is increasingly turning to the more lucrative European market.
source: newsmaker.md