Moldova shipped 68.6 million liters of wine products abroad in the first eight months of 2026.
The exports have generated USD 129.3 million in revenue, according to data compiled by the National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV) based on customs figures.Â
While volume fell 16% and value declined 7% compared to the same period in 2025, the country's export earnings still came in above the 10-year average of USD 112.8 million, underscoring the resilience of Moldova's wine sector even as global shipment volumes soften.
Moldovan wine reached 67 countries during the period, with the top 10 markets alone accounting for 81% of both export value and export volume — a concentration that highlights how a small group of destinations continues to anchor the industry's international sales.
Still Wines Remain the Backbone
Still wines continued to dominate Moldova's export basket, representing 78% of total volume and 61% of total value, with combined sales of 53.6 million liters worth USD 78.5 million. Both bottled and bulk segments contracted year-on-year: bottled still wine value fell 14% to USD 49.7 million (roughly 23.6 million bottles at an average price of USD 2.11), while bulk still wine value dropped 8% to USD 28.8 million. Notably, average prices rose in both segments — up 6% for bottled and 10% for bulk — suggesting exporters are commanding higher per-unit returns even as overall shipped quantities shrink.
Brandy and Fortified Wines Buck the Downward Trend
Not every category struggled. Brandy/Divin exports grew 15% in value to USD 37.3 million, driven by a striking 66% jump in bottled brandy sales to USD 15.1 million. Fortified wines posted the strongest growth of any category, with value up 53% and volume up 41%, reaching USD 7.9 million on the back of a 69% surge in bottled fortified wine sales. These gains partly offset steep declines elsewhere, including a 71% collapse in aromatized wine/vermouth exports and a 25% drop in sparkling wine value.
Europe and Africa Lead on Destination
Europe remained Moldova's largest export region by value, taking a 61% share worth USD 79.1 million, though this was down 3% year-on-year. The CIS region followed with 25% of value (USD 32.1 million, -5%). The standout performer was Africa, where export value jumped 60% to USD 8.8 million — the fastest growth of any region — while the Americas saw the sharpest decline, down 58% to USD 5.1 million.
Among individual markets, Romania remained by far the largest buyer of bottled Moldovan wine, absorbing 25.8% of bottled volume and 33.6% of bottled value. Nigeria, Poland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic rounded out the top five markets by value.
A Decade in Perspective
Looking at the last ten years of August-period export data, 2026's volume of 68.6 million liters is the lowest in the series, well below the 10-year average of 84.8 million liters. Export value, however, tells a somewhat different story: at USD 129.3 million, 2026 sits comfortably above the 10-year average of USD 112.8 million, reflecting a broader shift toward higher-value bottled and premium products even as bulk shipment volumes recede.
Key takeaways:
- Total wine exports fell 16% in volume and 7% in value versus 2025
- Still wines account for 78% of volume and 61% of value
- Sparkling wine had a difficult year, with bottled value down 25% to USD 3.3 million and volume down 32%
- Bottled Divin/Brandy exports rose 66% in value — the strongest bottled-category performance
- Fortified wines posted the highest overall growth rate: +53% value, +41% volume
- Africa was the fastest-growing export region, up 60% in value
- Export value of USD 129.3 million remains above the 10-year average of USD 112.8 million
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova
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