Moldova's wine and spirits exports softened in the first seven months of 2026, according to new data released by the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), based on figures from the ASYCUDA customs system.
Between January and July 2026, Moldova exported a total of 61.5 million liters of wine and spirits products, down 16% compared to the same period in 2025. In value terms, exports reached $116.2 million, a more modest decline of 5% year-on-year — suggesting that despite shipping less volume, producers achieved higher average prices across most categories.
Moldovan wine and spirits reached 65 countries during the period, with the top 10 markets accounting for 81% of both export value and export volume, underscoring how concentrated the country's trade relationships remain.
Performance by Product Category
The picture varies sharply across categories:
- Still wines — the largest category by far — brought in $69.5 million (-11%) on 47.8 million liters (-18%).
- Sparkling wines were among the weaker performers, with bottled exports down 21% in value ($3.0 million) and 29% in volume (0.891 million liters), despite the average bottle price rising 11% to $2.53.
- Liqueur wines were a bright spot, surging 60% in value ($7.1 million) and 47% in volume (3.0 million liters), driven by a 75% jump in bottled export value.
- Divin (Moldovan brandy) also grew strongly, up 22% in value to $34.7 million and 8% in volume to 8.9 million liters of absolute alcohol, with bottled divin exports climbing 85% in value.
- Vermouths were the weakest performer, falling 75% in bottled export value.
Where Moldovan Wine Is Going
By region, Europe remained the top destination, absorbing 61% of export value ($71.4 million), essentially flat compared to last year. The CIS region followed with 25% ($28.9 million, -3%). Africa was the standout growth market, up 61% to $7.4 million, while the Americas contracted sharply, down 61% to just $4.5 million. Asia also declined (-21%), and Oceania nearly disappeared from the export map, falling 94%.
Looking at product mix, still wines dominate by volume (78%) but represent a smaller share of value (60%), while divin and distillates — though only 14% of volume — punch above their weight at 30% of export value, reflecting their higher price point.
A Ten-Year Perspective
Viewed against the past decade, the first seven months of 2026 rank among the weaker periods for export volume (61.5 million liters), well below the ten-year average of 74.5 million liters. Export value ($116.2 million), however, remains close to the historical average of $98.9 million, continuing a longer-term trend of Moldova exporting less wine but earning more per liter — a pattern visible since the strong 2024 season (82.8 million liters, $128.7 million).
Leading Markets for Bottled Wine
Among bottled wine exports specifically, Romania is by far Moldova's largest buyer, accounting for 25.3% of volume and 32.8% of value. It is followed by the Czech Republic, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, each holding single-digit shares. Notably, Nigeria and Ghana feature prominently by value share relative to their volume share, pointing to premium pricing in West African markets.
Source: VinoVistara