U.S. suspends 31% tariffs on Moldovan exports for 90 days
The United States has temporarily suspended the recently imposed 31% additional tariffs on Moldovan exports to the U.S. market.
The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, which noted that, for now, only the general 10% tariff applied to all foreign goods will remain in effect as of April 9.
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the increased tariffs will be postponed for 90 days for over 75 countries that “have not implemented retaliatory measures against the United States” and are open to negotiations.
The temporary suspension of the 31% tariffs imposed by the United States on Moldovan goods may represent a strategic opportunity for the national economy, according to economic expert Marin Gospodarenco. He suggests that Moldova should take advantage of this diplomatic and economic window to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market by focusing on areas where it has a clear competitive edge:
“Moldova should leverage its advantages and mitigate potential long-term risks. We ought to prioritize strengthening our existing trade relations with the United States, particularly in sectors where we can offer competitive products. For instance, agriculture, food products, wines, and textiles are areas where we have the potential to grow our exports to the U.S. market.”
At the same time, the expert emphasizes that mobilizing exporters alone is not enough. The government should support these sectors through marketing strategies, participation in international trade expos, and direct commercial partnerships with American distributors. Equally important, he adds, is improving customs procedures and ensuring product quality to meet the high standards of the U.S. market.
“Moldovan authorities should use this period to strengthen economic diplomacy with the United States. Bilateral talks with U.S. officials should be held to identify investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and technology,” Gospodarenco said during the Zi de zi programme on Radio Moldova.
Until now, Moldova has benefited from tariff exemptions for its exports to the United States.
To recall, Moldova’s exports to the U.S. in 2024 accounted for 2.5% of the country’s total, or $90 million, while imports from the U.S. made up 1.5%, or $135 million of the total imports.
The main categories of products exported from Moldova to the U.S. include:
- Dessert wines, which accounted for 48% of total exports to the U.S. in 2024;
- Fruit juices, particularly apple juice, where Moldova held a significant market segment (14%);
- Plastic devices and transport-related articles (9%), alcoholic beverages (5%), pastry products (2%), and textile garments (3%).
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the announcement by President Trump regarding the 90-day suspension of the reciprocal tariff decision, which would have seen the European bloc taxed at a rate of 20%. The head of the European executive noted that tariffs are levies that only end up hurting companies and consumers. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to constructive negotiations with the United States, “with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade.”
At the same time, Europe continues to focus on “diversifying its trade partnerships” by collaborating with “countries that account for 87% of global trade” and that “share our commitment to the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,” the Commission President added.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
