Moldova offers Ukraine 50% railway transit discount to attract millions of euros to CFM

The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have reached an agreement on transporting Ukrainian goods across Moldova’s territory via the Moldovan Railway (CFM). The agreement provides for a 50% reduction in the railway transit tariff, a measure through which Chișinău aims to capture a significant share of Ukrainian freight flows and generate additional revenue for CFM.

Government’s spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici made the statement, noting that the agreement was negotiated by the team of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development with their Ukrainian counterparts, under the supervision of the prime ministers of the two countries.

“The Republic of Moldova has concluded an understanding with the Ukrainian side, economically advantageous for both parties, regarding the transportation of Ukrainian goods via the Moldovan Railway on the segment that crosses our country’s territory,” said Ciorici.

Ukraine plans to transport up to 6 million tons

According to the official, Ukraine plans to export and transport up to 6 million tons of goods in the 2026 agricultural year, along various regional routes.

The Republic of Moldova aims to attract around 10% of this volume, and in order to become a more competitive route, a 50% discount for railway transit was agreed.

“It is a common practice for such discounts to be granted to attract large transit volumes,” the spokesperson explained.

Even with the reduced tariff, the transit is expected to remain profitable for the Moldovan Railway. According to estimates presented by Ciorici, the potential opportunity for CFM amounts to several million euros.

“We want our railway operator to capture as large a share of these revenues as possible. In parallel, we are working on increasing CFM’s capacity to ensure the most efficient logistics possible,” noted Dumitru Ciorici.

The new regime is valid until the end of the year

The application of the new tariff regime began on 10 August 2026 and will remain in force until the end of the year. The understanding comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking alternative routes for its exports, particularly in the context of attacks on transport and port infrastructure.

Kyiv–Chișinău train changes its route

The agreement between the two countries includes an important change for passenger transport as well. Starting 17 August, the route of Kyiv–Chișinău train will be modified so that the transfer of Ukrainian citizens to Chișinău International Airport becomes more convenient and faster.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi also welcomed the understanding with the Republic of Moldova. In a public statement, he noted that the agreement on a 50% discount of the transit railway tariff for Ukrainian goods is a practical solution for Ukrainian exporters in the context of Russian attacks on infrastructure in the Black Sea area.

According to the Ukrainian prime minister, the new regime applies from 10 August until the end of 2026.

He also mentioned the change in Kyiv–Chișinău train route starting 17 August, appreciating that the measure will facilitate and speed up Ukrainian passengers’ access to Chișinău International Airport.

The Ukrainian official thanked Chișinău government for the decisions taken and underlined the intention of the two countries to expand their mutually beneficial cooperation.