Moldova will eliminate import duties on around 90% of goods imported from the United States, in what officials describe as a gesture of goodwill towards Washington, according to Radu Marian, chairman of the parliamentary committee on economy, budget and finance.
The move is intended to signal closer economic ties with the United States, though some key sectors will remain protected.
Moldova US import duties cut with key exceptions
Marian said the duty exemptions will not apply to certain agricultural products, including raw poultry, pork, beef and dairy. These categories are excluded to protect domestic producers.
In effect, the policy opens Moldova’s market to higher value-added American goods, while maintaining restrictions on basic agricultural imports.
“This is a political, economic and legal measure to show that we highly value our partnership with the United States,” Radu Marian said.
He added that the initiative is not expected to have a significant economic impact, noting that imports from the US account for only around 2% of Moldova’s total imports.
Trade imbalance questions remain
However, the announcement has drawn attention to the broader structure of trade between the two countries. Moldova’s exports to the US stand at roughly 1.3%, about half the level of imports.
Until recently, Moldovan exporters faced tariffs of 25–30% when entering the US market. Starting in 2026, this rate is expected to fall to around 10%, as ранее сообщил Igor Grosu.
Unlike Moldova’s targeted liberalisation, the reduced US tariffs apply across all categories of goods.
The contrast has prompted questions over the balance of trade concessions, with Moldova removing duties on the vast majority of US imports, while its own exports continue to face remaining barriers.
