Moldova's bean imports surpass exports amid processing gaps
Over the past five years, the Republic of Moldova has imported over 5,000 tons of beans, predominantly from Ukraine.
During the same period, our country has exported more than 2,200 tons of beans to countries such as South Sudan, Belarus, and North Macedonia.
"We import a larger quantity of beans than we export," explains Iurie Rija, Executive Director of the Association of Exporters and Importers of Agricultural and Cereal Products "Agrocereale," in an analysis. Annually, over 1,500 tons of beans from Ukraine alone are delivered to our country. Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Poland are among the other countries that supply us with beans. In total, over the last 4-5 years, more than 5,154 tons have been imported, valued at over 93 million lei. According to Iurie Rija, the beans predominantly reach local stores in canned form because the countries from which we import have developed processing infrastructure.
"The explanation is straightforward: while we have the land to cultivate this crop, we lack the developed processing infrastructure necessary to preserve it. This is the primary reason we import such large quantities. The imported beans predominantly reach store shelves and warehouses in canned form because these countries have advanced processing and long-term storage technologies. Imports exceed local producers' exports by 2-3 times."
However, in the past five years, the Republic of Moldova has exported over 2,200 tons of beans to 14 countries. South Sudan, Belarus, and North Macedonia account for 77% of Moldova's total bean exports, according to Iurie Rija.
"There were years when exports surged, such as in 2022, when we observed an upward trend and an increase in quantities. We started with 400 tons and reached 600 tons of beans. In 2023, 600 tons reached foreign markets. Beans are a resilient crop, resistant to various factors, and do not require significant investments in mineral fertilisers. I believe we could expand the cultivation areas."
In our country, beans can be cultivated under favourable conditions on most arable land. The varieties grown are part of the common bean species, with several other seed varieties currently registered in the country, including Crizantema, Floare, Garofița, Marița, Nicolina, Aluna, and Concurrent.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
