Advertise
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) of Moldova is proposing to extend the current licensing regime for imports of wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds until December 31, 2026. The announcement was made by Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu during a press briefing, where he emphasized that the measure is vital to safeguard domestic producers and ensure the efficient sale of local harvests against a backdrop of declining import prices and logistical export hurdles.
With the existing licensing framework set to expire on October 31, the proposal for a long-term extension is backed by an economic and financial analysis conducted by the ministry. This analysis utilized data from the National Bureau of Statistics, customs information from the ASYCUDA system, and reference prices tracked through the first three quarters of 2026.
Minister Osmochescu explained that while imports were not systematically cheaper than domestic products during the first half of the year, the market dynamic shifted significantly in the third quarter. This change was particularly evident in the sunflower seed sector, where import prices saw a sharp decline while prices offered to Moldovan farmers remained relatively stable. The minister attributed this trend to price reductions by regional trading partners seeking to boost their own exports and an increase in the volume of sunflower seeds in transit.
Beyond price volatility, the market is grappling with a successful harvest that faces restricted movement. Logistical congestion in the Black Sea region has slowed the transport and export of agricultural produce, leaving traders unable to clear stocks for new harvests and forcing many farmers to utilize warehouse storage. The minister noted that the interests of farmers and traders are interdependent, requiring a balanced regulatory approach.
As of late October, three import licenses have been issued under the current legal framework. These include 100 tons of spelt wheat from Ukraine, 22 tons of popcorn corn from the Czech Republic, and 4,000 tons of sunflower seeds sourced from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The minister clarified that operations at the Giurgiulești International Free Port operate under separate legislation and are not subject to this general licensing regime, as materials are imported for processing and subsequent export.
Addressing concerns over regional infrastructure, Osmochescu rejected claims that Ukrainian grain transit was causing road congestion in southern Moldova. He stated that the majority of grain transit occurs via rail, with recent records showing only 15 trucks carrying wheat in transit during September. Road congestion is primarily attributed to the transit of petroleum products. The ministry assured continued market monitoring to protect the agricultural sector's stability.
Source: Moldpres