OREANDA-NEWS.  January 12, 2012. Over 65% of wine export fell to three countries: Poland (25%), the Czech Republic (23%) and Romania (19%). According to the ministry of economy, within January-November, 2011 Moldova completely used the quota of 30 thousand tones given to it for maize supply to EU. This quota was fully drawn till the beginning of July. The biggest volumes of maize were imported to Greece - 60,81% of the total volume, Italy - 22,39%, Cyprus - 9,91% and Bulgaria – 5%.

The wheat export quota (40 thou. tones) was drawn within 11 months of the last year at 74,85%. Over 29,9 thou. tones of wheat was exported abroad. The biggest volumes of wheat fell to Italy - 62,05%. The barley export quota was used at 29,4%, and 8,8 thou. tones of barley were imported to EU. The low degree of using this quota was determined by low prices for barley on EU markets.

Over 27% of the total volume of barley imported fell to Italy. To support Moldova’s wine-makers, EU 50% increased quotas on free-charge supplies of wine from our country – from 100 thou. to 150 thou. of hectoliters. According to the decision of EU, quotas for free-charge supplies of Moldova’s wines in EU in 2012 will grew to 180 thousand of hectoliters (1,8 mln. of decaliters). Within 2013-2015 Moldova will be able to deliver to EU 240 thou. hectoliters (2,4 mln. deciliters) of wine annually. EU also adopted the resolution according to which quotas on barley from Moldova will be annually increased by 5 thousand tones and will grow from 35 thou. t. to 60 thou. t. in 2015.

Quotas for maize from Moldova will increase from 30 thou. t. in 2011 to 40 thou tones in 2012. Then they will be raised by 5 thou. tones every year and will reach 55 thou, t. in 2015. At present Moldova is able to supply to EU without paying customs duties all products with the exception of 12 agricultural products which were quoted.

Individual trade preferences have been granted to Moldova since March, 1, 2008. In February, 2012 Moldova and EU are going to hold the first round of the official talks on the Free and Comprehensive Trade Zone.