Moldova seeks grace period from US over new 25% tariff on exports

The Moldovan authorities have requested the United States a grace period before the implementation of a 25% tariff on all Moldovan products, according to Cristina Ceban, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation.

She made the announcement on July 31 during the “Spațiul Public” programme on Radio Moldova, Caliber.Az reports via Moldovan media.

Ceban explained that Moldova needs time to negotiate a possible bilateral agreement with the US. She also confirmed that discussions with American officials and local exporters will continue to identify the best options to maintain competitiveness in foreign markets, alongside efforts to diversify export destinations.

“We have not yet received a response. We are expecting feedback from the Department of Commerce. It is not only the Department of Commerce but also political and economic entities in the United States that are collaborating and discussing the matter, after which final decisions will be made. I cannot say whether the grace period will be extended or not, but the possibility exists,” said Ceban.

The US announced it would impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Moldova starting August 1. 

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation noted that this tariff is lower than the 31% initially proposed by the US administration three months ago, a reduction achieved through diplomatic and technical efforts.

According to Moldovan officials, the US ranked 14th among Moldova’s trading partners last year, accounting for 2.5% of total trade. However, Moldovan exports to the US have fallen by 40% in recent months.

By Aghakazim Guliyev