Moldovan prime minister opposes restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the government does not plan to impose restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports despite calls from some local farmers. According to him, there are currently no grounds for such measures, as virtually no Ukrainian grain has entered the Moldovan market this season.

Tofan said the government is under pressure to restrict not only imports but also the transit of Ukrainian grain through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanța. However, he stressed that Moldova will not give up the revenue generated by rail transit and will continue to support Ukraine.

“Ukraine has not brought a single kilogram of grain to us this season. We should not look for a problem where none exists. If grain dumping or large-scale imports emerge, then we can discuss the issue,” Tofan said in an interview with Jurnal TV.

Earlier this week, the Farmers’ Force association, which has organized several farmer protests, called on the government to restrict Ukrainian grain imports. The group argues that lower-priced Ukrainian grain, following the disruption of exports through Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, could enter the Moldovan market and push domestic grain prices lower.

The prime minister emphasized that these concerns are not supported by current trade flows. He added that if real risks to Moldova’s domestic market emerge, the government is ready to reconsider the issue, but at present there is no reason to introduce import restrictions.

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