Moldova extends wheat, maize, sunflower import restrictions
The Moldovan government said it has extended mandatory licensing for imports of wheat, maize and sunflower until the end of 2025 in an effort to support local farmers amid a regional market dominated by production surplus and reduced prices.
“The measure represents a continuation of the previously applied framework and aims to maintain the stability of the domestic agricultural market, in the context of persistent difficulties in the agri-food sector,” agriculture minister Ludmila Catlabuga was quoted as saying in a press release issued on Tuesday.
As of June 2025, wheat, corn, and sunflower crops showed strong development and yield potential, supported by favourable spring conditions across the region, according to the ministry.
The licensing decision was initially introduced in October 2023 and has since been extended multiple times, amidst lobbying efforts by farming associations.
Other stakeholders have also felt the impact of the measure, including the Floarea Soarelui plant in Balti – part of the Trans-Oil group and Moldova’s largest vegetable oil producer – which temporarily suspended operations in early 2024 due to difficulties obtaining an import licence for sunflower seeds from Ukraine. Meanwhile, local producers held back their stock, expecting prices to rise, according to local news portal Mold-Street.
Further development of the grain and oilseed markets of Ukraine and the Black Sea region will be in the spotlight of the BLACK SEA GRAIN. KYIV conference, taking place on April 22–23 in Kyiv. The event will focus on strategic directions for the agricultural sector through 2030, including investments, energy independence, processing, and exports of high-value products.
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