by PressForeign trade turnover of beans: analysis of Moldova’s export and import deliveries
Moldova’s foreign trade turnover of beans and its weaknesses
Export growth plays a key role in strengthening the economy of any country. For Moldova, one area of foreign trade development could be increasing agricultural exports. In this context, the foreign trade turnover of beans is particularly important. This crop has high potential for ensuring stable financial flows.
Yuri Riza, an expert, conducted a comprehensive study on the role of beans in Moldova’s exports for the 2024-2025 season. The main results of the analysis are as follows:
— foreign trade in beans amounted to 125,350 kg;
— in monetary terms, the figure is estimated at 2,407,093 lei;
— imports amounted to 123,100 kg worth 2,363,247 lei;
— imports accounted for 98% of all trade operations in the segment;
— the average cost of imported beans exceeded 19 lei per kilogram;
— exports amounted to 2,250 kg and were estimated at 43,846 lei;
— foreign trade turnover of exports amounted to only 2%;
— the average selling price was recorded at 19.5 lei per kilogram.
The data indicate that Moldova is heavily dependent on imported beans. A significant gap between import and export volumes highlights the need to increase domestic production. The high demand for the product creates additional opportunities for Moldovan farmers.
Features of export and import processes
It bears mentioning that purchases of products on the global market were subject to seasonal fluctuations. The largest volume of imports was recorded in August 2024. At that time, 92.7 tons arrived in the country, accounting for approximately 75% of the annual volume. The expert attributes this surge to its coincidence with the harvest period for producers and the formation of food reserves.
Another peak occurred in January 2025, when over 24 tons entered the country. This was due to the traditional stock review carried out at the beginning of the year.
Moldovan producers’ export opportunities remain limited. The largest volume of supplies occurred in February 2025. At the same time, the selling price of beans exceeded the cost of imports due to the higher quality of local products.
Moldova’s import ties are stable. The main supplier is a neighboring country that provided 115.4 tons (94% of all purchases). The United States ranked second with 7.7 tons.
Exports are focused exclusively on one buyer: Romania. This concentration increases risks for foreign trade and highlights the need to diversify export destinations. Moldova should actively develop new export channels and seek alternative markets. Promising destinations could include the European Union and the Middle East, where there is high demand for quality legumes. Expanding the geographic scope of supplies will strengthen producers’ position.