---
title: "Moldova's wine exports fell; producers focus on African markets"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/85644/moldova-s-wine-exports-fell-producers-focus-on-african-markets
published: 2026-09-22T18:10:21Z
language: en
author: "Olga Mînzat"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldova's wine exports fell; producers focus on African markets

> Wine exports are down 16% in volume and 6% in value compared with the same period last year, Ștefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office for Vine and Wine, said on the Moldova 1 TV program "Pe Față". A significant portion of this drop in volume is linked to reduced exports to the United States and Belarus.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/9c5935aa-0efe-446e-9c24-707571257baf.jpg)

Wine exports are down 16% in volume and 6% in value compared with the same period last year, Ștefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office for Vine and Wine, said on the Moldova 1 TV program "Pe Față". A significant portion of this drop in volume is linked to reduced exports to the United States and Belarus.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/30caa90d-6f90-4bc7-9625-2963dc2cf760.jpg)

In recent years, wine exports to the United States have dropped significantly following the imposition of additional trade tariffs, as have exports to Belarus, according to Ștefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office of Vine and Wine. At the same time, exports to the African continent have grown. According to Iamandi, export volumes have risen by approximately 80%, while the value has increased by about 60% compared to last year.

*"They have reached $8.38 million, or 7% of total exports. This is encouraging for us, as we see immense potential in the African continent and plan to organize events in this market. Nigeria is the leading market, followed by Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, and other countries with smaller volumes."*

Romania remains the primary destination for Moldovan wines, while Ukraine is currently the second-largest market for bottled Moldovan wine. Meanwhile, Iamandi notes that the CIS market no longer plays the role it once did. Exports to the Russian Federation now account for only about 2% of the Republic of Moldova's wine exports, down from around 80% in 2006. Nevertheless, the Republic of Moldova still exports wine to certain CIS countries. According to Iamandi, access to new markets and growth in the HoReCa sector are enabling wineries to secure higher prices. "It is no secret—and we are not the only ones experiencing this—that all wine-producing countries are currently facing a global decline in wine consumption. The only difference in our case, compared to other countries, is that the average price per bottle is rising. Over the first eight months of this year, compared to the same period last year, the price increased by 6%, reaching €2.11. This increase is an important point to note," states Ștefan Iamandi.

At the same time, the National Office for Vine and Wine continues to promote the "Wine of Moldova" brand. The Republic of Moldova has four regions with Protected Geographical Indication status, and wines from these regions account for approximately 90% of the total volume of exported wine.