Exports Lags Behind Imports: Moldova’s Trade Deficit Reached $7 Billion

Moldova's exports grew moderately in 2025, while imports increased more than three times faster, leading to a growing trade deficit, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. In December 2025, exports of goods amounted to $351.9 million, which is 11.1% less than in November, but 30.4% more than in December 2024. At the same time, imports reached $1.1 billion, increasing by 12.4% compared to the previous month and by 30.1% compared to December 2024, according to bani.md. In 2025, exports amounted to $3.78 billion, an increase of 6.4% compared to 2024. Imports, on the other hand, grew significantly faster, reaching $10.92 billion, representing a 20.5% increase. The imbalance between these two trade flows led to an increase in the trade deficit to $7.14 billion, which is 29.6% more than in the previous year. The coverage rate of imports by exports decreased to 34.6%. Exports consisted mainly of local goods, which accounted for 78.8% of the total volume ($2.98 billion), an increase of 10%. Re-exports accounted for 21.2% and decreased by 5.1%. The European Union remains Moldova’s main trading partner, with exports to the EU reaching $2.55 billion in 2025, accounting for 67.5% of total exports. The EU’s share in imports was 54.1%. Romania remained the most important export market, accounting for 29% of Moldovan exports, followed by Turkey (9.9%), Italy (9.2%), and the Czech Republic (8.2%). The main import sources were Romania (22.7%), China (13.6%), and Ukraine (10.1%). The export structure was represented by seeds and oilseeds (15.5%), machinery and electrical equipment (15.1%), vegetables and fruits (11.4%), grains (8.0%), and clothing (8.0%). Gas and gas products (9.1%), petroleum products (8.7%), motor vehicles (8.2%), and electricity (4.3%) accounted for a significant share in imports. Most of the foreign trade is carried out by road: 79.4% of exports and 79.2% of imports. The data shows that despite the increase in exports in 2025, the faster growth of imports has exacerbated Moldova’s trade imbalance.