Moldova may extend licensing of Ukrainian grain imports

The Moldovan government is assessing whether to extend licensing requirements for imports of Ukrainian grains and oilseeds after the current mechanism expires on October 31. Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Eugen Osmokescu said a final decision would be made after assessing the economic and financial impact of the restrictions.

According to the minister, the authorities need to consider the impact of licensing not only on farmers but also on the entire agri-food value chain, including processors, flour mills and the bakery industry. He said he had not yet seen an economic assessment that would justify extending the mechanism.

The government is also considering the risk of retaliatory trade measures from Ukraine. Osmokescu recalled that Moldova previously faced the possibility of Ukrainian restrictions on imports of Moldovan wine and grapes after temporarily banning Ukrainian poultry imports.

Moldovan farmers, meanwhile, are demanding that grain import licensing be extended at least until December 31. They fear that ending the mechanism in late October could put additional pressure on domestic prices during the harvest period. The current licensing regime covers, among other products, wheat, corn and sunflower seed.

The Forța Fermierilor association stresses that licensing does not amount to a complete import ban but is intended to limit the impact of imports on the domestic market. According to the association, ethanol producers and sunflower processors accounted for most demand for imported raw materials in 2024–2025, while livestock producers did not apply for import permits. Farmers have also warned that protests could resume if their demands are not taken into account.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, imports, Moldova, restrictions