Deputy Prime Minister: Opening of Moldovan market for EU animal-origin products to be gradual and balanced

The opening of the Moldovan market for animal-origin products from the EU will be gradual and balanced starting in 2026. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Doina Nistor made the statement in an interview given exclusively to MOLDPRES, in light of the European Union expanding access for Moldovan products to the EU market, while Moldova has agreed to improve access conditions for certain agri-food products from the EU.

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"The opening of the Moldovan market for animal-origin products from the EU will be gradual and balanced, starting in 2026. For frozen pork, an initial quota of 500 tons is proposed for 2026, with annual increases of 150 tons until 2028 and a rise of 200 tons in 2029, reaching a total of 1,000 tons. The mechanism is similar for poultry," stated Doina Nistor.

Furthermore, according to the head of MDED, in the dairy sector, the offer targets two tariff positions: milk and cream with a fat content above 3%, with a cumulative quota of 1,000 tons, and butter, for which a progressive quota of 500 tons is proposed (starting with 200 tons in 2026 and annual increases of 100 tons).

"This commitment reflects a realistic and sustainable approach to integration into the European single market. At the same time, it addresses the concrete needs of local meat and dairy processors, who periodically face raw material shortages, either due to swine fever or high-fat butter shortages," stated the Deputy Prime Minister.

According to the official, the quantities proposed by Moldova have been agreed upon with local producers. Additionally, the gradual liberalization provides them with the necessary time to adapt ahead of the anticipated EU accession in 2030, argues Doina Nistor.

"It is a mutually beneficial measure: it offers predictability to Moldovan farmers and strengthens EU producers' access to a market undergoing modernization," stated the official.

The Deputy Prime Minister also added that the decision to revise the DCFTA Agreement contains a safeguard clause, allowing for the temporary suspension of trade preferences in case of massive imports that could affect local producers.

In late July, the European Commission and the Moldovan Government concluded negotiations on new provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). As a result, the EU has expanded access for Moldovan products to the EU market. Thus, under the EU's decision, access increases for plums, apples, table grapes, and cherries with expanded tariff quotas. Additionally, imports of grape juice, tomatoes, and garlic are fully liberalized.

Respecting the extension of reciprocal access to agricultural markets, Moldova has agreed to improve access conditions for certain agri-food products from the EU.