Vlad Kulminski: Lower tariffs on Moldovan products open new export opportunities in the U.S. market for Moldova’s exporters
Lower tariffs on Moldovan products in the United States signal a strong push to revive exports and strengthen bilateral economic ties. The measure cuts duties from 31% to 10% and gives Moldovan producers a real chance to regain competitiveness in one of their most important foreign markets, said Moldova’s ambassador to the United States, Vlad Kulminski.
Tariffs fell in stages, from 31% to 25% and then to 10%. Keeping these favorable conditions, which open new opportunities for exporters, depends on sustained efforts by the authorities, the ambassador said in an interview with Washington reporter Natalia Ghilașcu of Radio Moldova.
“Our task is to support local exporters and promote our goods here on the U.S. market. That is why we must keep this low tariff, but doing so requires constant effort,” Kulminski said.
Regaining a competitive position remains essential for the country’s economic growth, the diplomat added, stressing the crucial role of the partnership with the United States in Moldova’s trajectory.
“Without support from the United States, Moldova likely would not have survived as an independent state. We would not have anchored ourselves in the Western sphere as a democratic country and become part of the West,” the ambassador noted.
He also cited recent legislative decisions to boost Moldovan American trade.
“Parliament passed a law that removes tariffs on 98% of U.S. imports into Moldova. In other words, 90% of U.S. imports into Moldova will carry no tariffs,” Kulminski explained.
Energy security also remains a strategic priority, backed by external financial support. Moldova will receive a grant of about 130 million dollars from the United States to strengthen this sector: “One of Moldova’s most important achievements was the approval of a 130 million project, implemented by a U.S. company, which will build a high voltage line between Moldova and Romania and reconnect us to the European electricity market at Strășeni Gutinaș,” he said.
In the same interview with the public radio broadcaster, Ambassador Kulminski said Moldova could become a logistics and investment hub for Ukraine’s reconstruction once the war ends, which would generate major investment and jobs.
“The IT and energy sectors will be especially important because Moldova will build capacity not only to produce but also to export”, the ambassador added.
According to the diplomat, these sectors, along with other key projects, could attract even more U.S. investment.
