VIDEO // Agriculture minister says Moldova not denouncing trade agreements with Commonwealth of Independent States, agri‑food exports reorient themselves towards EU

Moldova is not, at this point, denouncing any commercial agreement or treaty concluded with the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and exports to this region are not being restricted. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga has made statements to this effect. She specified that the current trade policy aimed to diversify and strengthen access to stable and predictable markets.

According to the official, in parallel with maintaining the present trade relations, there is a gradual reorientation of agricultural producers and the business sector towards European Union markets and other international destinations.

“Presently, Moldova is not denouncing any trade agreement or treaty with CIS states, and exports to this region are not restricted. At the same time, we are noticing a gradual shift of producers towards markets that offer stability, clear standards and the possibility for long‑term planning,” the minister said.

Focus on predictable markets and higher added value

The agriculture minister emphasized that the authorities’ priority was to facilitate access to markets that operate based on clear and transparent rules, which allows farmers to plan their exports and get more stable prices for their products.

“We are focusing on access to predictable markets, based on clear standards. They allow for the planning of exports, the valorization of production at more stable prices, and the achievement of higher added value for farmers,” Ludmila Catlabuga noted.

Evolution of agri‑food exports

Data presented by the ministry show that, in the period 2020–2024, Moldova’s agri‑food exports ranged between 1.08 and 1.94 billion U.S. dollars, with the highest level reached in 2022.

In 2024, the European Union accounted for approximately 65 per cent of the country’s total agri‑food exports, compared to 45 per cent in 2021. At the same time, the share of deliveries to CIS states decreased to about 9%, while 26% of exports were directed to other international markets.

The trend of diversification and orientation towards European markets was maintained in the first nine months of 2025 as well, according to data unveiled by the ministry.

Strategic direction

The minister’s statements indicate a strategic direction focused on strengthening the presence of Moldovan products on European Union markets and expanding access to other external destinations, in parallel with maintaining existing trade relations within the CIS.

The authorities say that the goal was to increase the competitiveness of the agri‑food sector, ensure income stability for farmers and further integrate Moldovan products into international value chains.