Moldova seeks to cut China trade deficit via agricultural expansion
The Republic of Moldova is actively restructuring its trade strategy with China to correct a massive commercial imbalance. National Bureau of Statistics data reveals that Moldova’s 2025 imports from China reached $1.25 billion (approx. 24.5 billion MDL), while exports stood at a mere $8.5 million.
This stark asymmetry means Chinese imports outpaced Moldovan exports by 147 times. Currently, Moldovan commercial access remains legally restricted to just three authorized food products: wine, grape seed flour, and sunflower seed flour.
Of these, wine is the only product actively traded. However, Moldovan wine exports to China fell to $3 million in 2025, representing a threefold decline driven by a broader contraction of the Chinese wine market.
Tariff negotiations and diversification
To counter this decline, Chișinău is shifting toward aggressive economic diplomacy. Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi recently conducted 15 high-level meetings in Beijing with Chinese officials and business leaders to expand the authorized export list.
Moldovan authorities are in advanced talks to secure clearance for honey and cherries. Future negotiations will target plums, sunflower oil, and grain exports.
To stimulate the wine sector, Moldovan Ambassador to China Petru Frunze has proposed a bilateral trade optimization. Moldova is prepared to offer a reciprocal tariff waiver on Chinese tea imports in exchange for tariff-free access for Moldovan wines.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
