Changes in Moldova's trade legislation could close the way for Ukrainian fruit and vegetable exports

Published May 11, 2021

Tridge summary

Moldovan legislation changes, effective from July 1, 2021, as per Law № 225 of December 4, 2020, require local trading companies to sell a minimum of 50% of their retail space to locally produced goods. This law, as highlighted by the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPOA) and the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine (MEDT), could potentially disadvantage Ukrainian producers exporting vegetables and potatoes to Moldova, especially since Moldova is a significant market for Ukrainian potatoes. The UPOA expresses concerns over the protective nature of this law, which could limit competition and negatively affect Ukrainian exporters, prompting the MEDT to seek input from local producers on the list of products to be prioritized for local sources.

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Original content

Protectionist changes in Moldovan legislation put pressure on producers from other countries, in particular, limit opportunities for Ukrainian producers of vegetables and potatoes, according to experts from the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPOA). In accordance with the introduced amendments to the Law of the Republic of Moldova № 225 of December 4, 2020 "On Amendments to Certain Regulations" from July 1 of this year, Moldovan trading companies are required to purchase and provide a shelf on the retail network at least 50% of its linear length of food produced in the Republic of Moldova. Under such conditions, Ukrainian products, in particular the vegetable group and potatoes, will remain in non-competitive conditions when exported to the Moldovan market, UPOA is convinced. The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine (MEDT) notes that the actions taken by the Moldovan authorities may be considered a violation of the national regime on ...

Source: AgroReview