Romania becomes top commercial parter of Moldova

Chisinau, 13 November /MOLDPRES/ - Romania has climbed to the top position among the trade partners of Moldova. Trade between the two countries reached 921.3 million dollars in nine months, after a 4.3 per cent increase in exports of Moldovan goods to the Romanian market and a 19.3 per cent increase in imports, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Romania outruns Russia in the top main trade partners of Moldova for the first time ever.

Romanian exports to the Moldovan market amounted to 650 million dollars and reached a share of 15.6 per cent of the total exports in January-September. Moldova delivered goods worth 316.3 million dollars to Romania.

Official statistics also show that Romania stayed on the first position among Moldova's export partners for one year in 2008, and was the first in term of imports in 2000.

Imports of cars and fuel mainly come from Romania, in the context of the regional crisis which has seriously affected trade, not only in Russia but Ukraine as well. Trade with Ukraine also declined, according to Deputy Economic Minister Octavian Calmac. Imports of diesel and gas acquisitions from Russia fell against 2013.

Many producers are turning to the Romanian market after the introduction of bans by Moscow. Imports of wine from Moldova to Romania doubled, plum deliveries increased about fourfold and apples pulp and sunflower seeds three and 5.5 times respectively, according to an analysis by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA).

Trade with Romania increased this year, in terms of value and weight, amid dramatic decrease in trade with Russia. Trade relations with Russia have deteriorated after Moscow imposed an embargo on the import of Moldovan alcoholic beverages the end of 2013, and banned the import of vegetables, fruits and canned goods in 2014. In nine months, exports from Moldova to Russia fell by almost 30 per cent and their total share dropped to 19.8 per cent. Imports from Russia fell by 11.5 per cent.

Exports to the Russian market will further diminish in the context of the embargo on imports of alcoholic beverages, fruits, vegetables, canned goods and introduction of more customs duties on imports from Moldova on 1 September, in response to the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union. These 19 categories of goods include meat, wine, cereals, sugar, fruits and furniture.