Ukraine to restrict Moldovan wine/grapes in response to poultry ban

EconomicsDiplomacy

Moldova, Ukraine

The government in Kiev plans to introduce restrictions, specifically licensing, on the import of grapes, wine, and alcohol from the Republic of Moldova. This measure is described as a "mirror" response to Chișinău's temporary ban on poultry imports from Ukraine, which was enacted after detecting a prohibited substance in feed.

Key points

  • The Ukrainian restrictions, potentially starting around March 5-6, target the main export item from Moldova to Ukraine.
  • The value of Ukrainian poultry exports to Moldova in 2025 was about $33 million, similar to Moldovan wine/grape exports to Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Taras Visoțki, stated this is a proportional response to a measure considered restrictive.
  • Moldova's National Food Safety Agency suspended Ukrainian poultry imports on January 26 due to metronidazole detection in feed, leading to the culling of about 110,000 birds.
  • Visoțki claimed Ukrainian authorities conducted necessary investigations according to European standards and found only a small, destroyed lot of non-compliant feed.

Why it matters

This escalating trade dispute, framed as a proportional reaction by Ukraine, highlights bilateral tensions stemming from food safety measures imposed by Moldova.

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