Transnistria is forced to trade with the EU due to the closure of the border with Ukraine and Moldova's blockade of exports to Russia
Quick Look
- Transnistria is forced to increase exports to the EU to 71% due to the closure of the border with Ukraine and Moldova’s blocking of exports to Russia and the CIS, said Deputy Prime Minister of the PMR Vitaly Nyagu.
- Russia's share in exports fell from 9.2% in 2021 to about 3% in 2025.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Transnistria is an unrecognized republic in eastern Moldova, economically dependent on trade with Russia and the CIS countries. Following the closure of the border with Ukraine in 2022 and Moldova blocking the export of key enterprises to Russia since August 2023, Transnistrian producers are forced to redirect goods to the EU.
Brief retelling from RIA II
Transnistria is forced to trade with the EU due to the closure of the border with Ukraine and Moldova's blockade of exports to Russia and the CIS.
The share of the European Union in exports from Transnistria at the end of 2025 was 71%, the share of Russia was about 3%.
TIRASPOL, September 15 - RIA Novosti. Transnistria is forced to trade with the EU due to the closure of the border with Ukraine and Moldova’s blockade of exports to Russia and the CIS, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) Vitaly Neagu said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to the government of Moldova, the European Union's share in exports from Transnistria at the end of 2025 amounted to 71%, Russia's share - about 3%. At the same time, back in 2021, Russia accounted for 9.2% of all Pridnestrovie’s exports.
“The share of exports to the EU is large, but this is not a political choice, but the result of economic geography and the blockade of other directions. After the closure of the border with Ukraine in 2022, our enterprises physically lost the opportunity to trade normally with Russia and the CIS countries,” Neagu said.
He also drew attention to the fact that Chisinau blocked the export of products from the largest Pridnestrovian factories to Russia.
“We are fighting for every enterprise and we hope that international mediators will help resolve the issue in favor of Pridnestrovie, without economic strangulation on the part of Moldova,” Neagu noted.
Since August 2023, Moldova has not allowed the Transnistrian factories Moldavizolit, Elektromash and Potential to export products, calling the goods they produce strategic and declaring that their export allegedly threatens the security of the country.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Transnistria will continue to increase the share of exports to the EU while maintaining current trade restrictions
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How long will the blockade of the Moldovan authorities last?
- Which international mediators can help resolve the trade conflict?
- What alternative export routes are available for Transnistrian enterprises?
