Moldova plans to extend grain and oilseed import licensing until the end of 2026

Moldova’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry has proposed extending the import licensing regime for wheat, corn and sunflower seed until December 31, 2026. The current import restrictions on these crops are set to expire on October 31. According to Agriculture Minister Eugeniu Osmokescu, extending the licensing requirements is necessary to protect domestic producers and ensure that Moldovan agricultural products can be marketed both domestically and abroad.

The proposal is based on an economic analysis of imports, exports and prices during the first three quarters of 2026. According to the ministry, sunflower seed import prices fell sharply in the third quarter, while purchasing prices for Moldovan farmers remained relatively stable. Officials noted that some trading partners had lowered prices to encourage exports, creating additional competition in the domestic market.

Logistical restrictions in the Black Sea region have also complicated Moldovan grain and oilseed exports. Congestion along transport routes has prevented traders from shipping the required volumes on time, forcing farmers to accumulate harvested crops in storage. Meanwhile, the ministry’s analysis found that the existing licensing regime had not negatively affected domestic processing companies.

Since the licensing mechanism was introduced, Moldova’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued only three import licenses. These covered 100 tons of spelt wheat from Ukraine, 22 tons of popcorn corn from the Czech Republic, and 4 thsd tons of sunflower seed from Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Poland. As a result, authorized import volumes have remained limited, while the authorities have focused on supporting domestic agricultural production.

The minister also commented on Ukrainian grain transit through Moldova. According to Osmokescu, operations at the Giurgiulesti International Free Port are exempt from the general import licensing regime, as raw materials enter under special port legislation for further processing and export. Most grain transit through Moldova is carried by rail. The ministry will continue monitoring the market and consider additional measures to support domestic farmers if necessary.

Tags: grain, oilseeds, imports, Moldova, licensing