Potato market in Moldova, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the fresh potato market volume in Moldova fluctuated, rising from 228.9 thousand tons to 237.1 thousand tons in 2019 before falling to 216.9 thousand tons in 2020. During this period, price variations and significant differences between local market and supermarket distribution channels influenced consumer access and consumption patterns for basic vegetables including potatoes.

Market volume saw a sharp increase to 234.4 thousand tons in 2021, driven by a rise in domestic production to 218.3 thousand tons. This was followed by a notable contraction to 196.4 thousand tons in 2022, with a partial recovery to 219.1 thousand tons observed in 2023.

In 2024, the potato market is subject to new customs regulations for international parcels implemented from January 1, which alter declaration and taxation procedures for food imports. Furthermore, increased fuel prices resulting from geopolitical tensions and panic buying have elevated transportation and distribution costs across the food sector.

Production potato in Moldova

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

In 2020, Moldova produced 171.9 thousand tonnes of potatoes, marking a slight decrease of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 12.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 4.4%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with an 11.3% reduction, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports potato from Moldova

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Potato export volumes varied dramatically, with a 2 670-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Moldova's potato exports reached 438 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 152.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at just 0.3 tonnes, which represented the largest decline of 100.0%. Conversely, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a staggering rise of 68 325.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Ukraine dominated Moldova's potato exports in volume, jointly accounting for 88.3% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Moldova in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2018, with a 403-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Moldova exported 65 thousand US dollars worth of potatoes, up by 34.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, marking the largest decline of 99.8%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 22 733.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Moldova in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Ukraine, and North Macedonia were the principal buyers of Moldovan potatoes in value terms. Russia accounted for 42.8% of exports, Ukraine for 33.9%, and North Macedonia for 19.4%. Together, these three countries represented 96.1% of total export value during this period.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Moldova in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to Moldova

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year increase, Moldova's potato import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 45 447 tonnes, reflecting a contraction of 24.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 60 438 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 27.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Romania, and Russia formed the main cluster of markets for Moldova's potato imports in volume. Belarus accounted for 33.2% of imports, Romania for 17.8%, and Russia for 14.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Moldova in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Moldova's potato import volumes declined. In 2020, import value amounted to 14 994 thousand US dollars, which is 25.7% lower compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 63%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 167 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 58.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Moldova in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for Moldova's potato imports in value terms were Belarus, Romania, and Russia. Belarus accounted for 31.0% of imports, Romania for 16.4%, and Russia for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 63.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Moldova in value, 2017-2020