Moldova extends grain and sunseed import licensing

Moldova’s parliament voted on October 29 to extend import licensing requirements for wheat, corn and sunflower seeds until December 31, 2026. The bill was approved by 82 lawmakers in two readings on the same day, according to Moldova 1.

The decision came amid protests by farmers who took their tractors onto roads in several regions of the country. Farmers demanded an extension of the restrictions to protect the domestic market from cheaper imported agricultural products.

According to Sergiu Ivanov, chairman of the parliamentary committee on agriculture and food industry, local producers are struggling to compete with agricultural prices in neighboring countries.

“We need a mechanism to protect the domestic market against dumping prices for products from other countries. This is a normal measure that neighboring countries also apply. We also need such a mechanism to operate on a permanent basis,” Ivanov said during the parliamentary session.

According to the bill’s authors, wheat prices on Moldova’s domestic market are currently around 1.5 lei/kg lower than those at the Romanian port of Constanța. Meanwhile, farmers are facing rising fuel and fertilizer costs.

The new law does not impose a complete import ban. Livestock farms and processing companies producing vegetable oil, flour or animal feed will be able to obtain free licenses to import grains and oilseeds. However, imported products may only be used for their own needs, while resale or re-export will be prohibited.

In addition, the licensing requirements will not apply to imports from countries whose average share of Moldova’s total imports of the respective crops did not exceed 10% during 2021–2023.

Moldova’s grain and oilseed import licensing mechanism was in place during 2024–2025. It was reinstated in September 2026 until October 31 and has now been extended through the end of the year. The restrictions may be reviewed again depending on market conditions.

Meanwhile, Moldovan farmers argue that import licensing alone is insufficient. They are also calling for government support to address drought-related losses, rising fuel and fertilizer costs, and difficulties accessing financing.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, oilseeds, imports, Moldova, restrictions