Moldova's Grain Market Sees Price Fluctuations Amid Rapeseed Volatility
The grain market in Moldova experienced significant price fluctuations in August, particularly for feed wheat and barley. According to recent data, feed wheat prices have decreased by an average of 100 lei/metric ton across all regions compared to July. The north of the country saw stabilized prices ranging from 2,550-2,800 lei/metric ton, while the center had a slight increase to 2,700-2,900 lei/metric ton, and the south remained around 3,300 lei/metric ton.
Food wheat, on the other hand, has maintained its previous price level, especially in areas with concentrated grain processing facilities. In Drochia, for instance, the spot market price for food wheat remains between 3,000-3,100 lei/metric ton. The typical price difference between food-grade and feed-grade wheat is 0.10-0.20 lei per kilogram in favor of the former.
Barley followed a similar downward trend as feed wheat, trading at an average 0.05-0.10 lei/kg lower than July's prices. Prices ranged from 2,500 to 2,600 lei/metric ton in the north and 2,600 to 2,800 lei/metric ton in the center.
Rapeseed exhibited extreme volatility in sales and price trends, unlike wheat and barley. The price at Giurgiulești port fluctuated from 10.60 lei/kg in early July to 10.00 lei/kg by the end of the month, before rebounding to 10.30 lei/kg.
Agromarketing expert Iurie Rija noted that farmers are selling virtually no grain due to a shortage of available warehouse space, which is currently occupied by rapeseed, a more profitable crop.