Moldova Caps Grain Import Licenses Amid Price Fears

Moldovan lawmakers have introduced temporary licensing for grain and oilseed imports until October 31 to shield domestic growers from international market fluctuations, but extended restrictions are still being debated.

The new measure, passed by a majority of 53 deputies in the second reading, aims to balance the needs of grain farmers with those of meat processors. According to Dorian Istrati, vice chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance, the shortened timeframe will prevent supply bottlenecks for domestic processors.

Istrati noted that previous interventions by lawmakers had led to increased retail prices of meat, citing petitions from the Pork Producers Association and the National Poultry Breeders Association of Moldova opposing extended curbs. The government argued that prolonged barriers would disrupt milling and livestock sectors, driving up consumer prices.