Moldova has given its farmers priority in the rail transport of grain

Moldovan producers and companies are being given priority over Ukrainian cargoes in grain transportation by rail through Moldova. State railway company Calea Ferată din Moldova (CFM) said all of its grain wagons are reserved for local customers, while Ukrainian transit cargoes are transported in Ukrainian wagons.

CFM stressed that the transit of Ukrainian grain does not create a shortage of rail capacity for Moldovan farmers. The country’s railway network is currently operating at around 20% of its capacity, leaving sufficient room for both Moldovan grain exports and transit shipments.

Moldovan exporters also benefit from lower tariffs. Under comparable transportation conditions, grain exports from Moldova cost CHF 15.30/t, while transit of Ukrainian goods costs CHF 20.64/t. CFM also clarified that the previously reported tariff of CHF 11.72/t for Ukrainian cargoes does not include the costs of using and returning Ukrainian wagons.

CFM emphasized that Ukrainian grain transiting Moldova is not imported into the domestic market but merely crosses the country on its way to foreign markets. When shipments compete for the same route and border crossing, Moldovan companies will be given priority.

Ukrainian grain transit has recently raised concerns among Moldovan farmers, prompting the government to discuss the issue with agricultural producers. CFM says the current transit model allows Moldova to maintain priority for domestic shipments while using spare railway capacity for Ukrainian cargoes.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, logistics, Moldova, rail transportation