Moldovan exports to CIS states decrease by half in first quarter of 2015

18:41 | 06.05.2015 Category: Economic

Chisinau, 6 May /MOLDPRES/ - The Moldovan exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries decreased in the first quarter of 2015, down to a share of 21.3 per cent of the overall supplies of Moldovan products to foreign markets, by a half less against the same period in 2012, according to data by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The export decrease is caused mainly by a diminution of supplies to Russia and Ukraine. Over 43 per cent of Moldovan exports were directed to the eastern market in 2012; yet, after Moscow had banned the import of more Moldovan goods, including alcoholic beverages and fruits in the next years, the exports dropped dramatically. The regional crisis worsened even more the commercial ties with the CIS states.

The decline represents a major change in statistics not only in terms of share, but also of quantity. Thus, Moldovan exporters supplied goods to the eastern market in amount of 104 million dollars in January-March 2015, much less against the same period of 2012, when exports stood at 201 million dollars.

„Russia seems to enter recession and, at the same time, keeping restrictions to some categories of Moldovan products cause cut in export to this market. Ukraine is in deep economic recession and it is obvious that exports to this country will decrease,” Programme Manager at the Expert Grup Independent Analytical Centre Alexandru Fala has previously said.

Producers reoriented themselves to the European Union’s market, in conditions when the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement entered into force temporary starting from 1 September 2014. The Moldovan goods supplies to the European market reached a quota of 65.5 per cent, compared to 55.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2014.

The overall exports dropped by 14.6 per cent and imports by 19.9 per cent in the first three months of 2015. The Economics Ministry forecasts a ten-per cent decrease in exports and a 15-per cent of imports in 2015.

(Reporter V. Bercu, Editor A. Raileanu)

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