Moldova's trade deficit widens amid rising imports in 2026
Moldova’s trade deficit reached €2.2 billion (approx. 43.12 billion MDL) in the first four months of 2026, marking a 3.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. While export volumes continue to grow, they remain insufficient to counterbalance the surging demand for imports.
Export performance showed resilience, totaling €1.1 billion. This represents an increase of €111 million compared to early 2025. Domestic goods accounted for 80.7% of total exports, while re-exports made up the remainder.
European Union markets remain the primary destination, absorbing 62.5% of Moldovan goods. Exports to the EU reached €698.6 million, a 12.1% increase year-on-year. Conversely, exports to CIS countries slowed, accounting for only 6% of the total.
The import market remains heavily dominated by energy and industrial resources. Total imports climbed to €3.3 billion, driven largely by gas and industrial derivatives (13.1%), petroleum products (8.8%), and road vehicles (7%).
The structural gap between export revenue and import costs resulted in a total trade deficit of €2.2 billion. Trade relations with the European Union contributed €1.2 billion to this shortfall, highlighting the continued necessity for industrial modernization to improve the trade balance.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
