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The twenty imports Moldova is best placed to replace.

Moldova imported USD 7.1bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 2.8bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 657mthe twenty, imported in 2024
38products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
513products Moldova already exports well
138product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Moldova already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Moldova would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Moldova does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromRomania 46%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow... (exports USD 11m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 50m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Romania supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 50mup 114% on 2022
  2. 2

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 27%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTobacco: smoking, water pipe tobacco as specified in Subheading Note... (exports USD 171k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 9k
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 33m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3).

    USD 33mup 106% on 2022
  3. 3

    Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavouredHS 220210

    Comes fromUkraine 44%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or less (exports USD 88m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 305k
    Countries that export it well60

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 33m, top 20 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); Ukraine supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 33mup 163% on 2022
  4. 4

    Particle board of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substancesHS 441011

    Comes fromUkraine 66%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlywood: with sheets of wood only: not bamboo: each ply 6mm or less... (exports USD 7m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 36k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 32m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Ukraine supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 32mup 156% on 2022
  5. 5

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromRussia 69%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow...
    Exports of this lineUSD 2k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 15m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 40 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Russia supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 21mup 129% on 2022
  6. 6

    Paper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481910

    Comes fromRomania 63%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper... (exports USD 8m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 511k
    Countries that export it well46

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 18m, top 49 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Romania supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 18mup 12% on 2022
  7. 7

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromHungary 23%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthInsulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring... (exports USD 405m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 129m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1).

    USD 129mup 23% on 2022
  8. 8

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Comes fromUkraine 13%, 67 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIce cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 11m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 55m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 55mup 78% on 2022
  9. 9

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromTurkey 17%, 54 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSoap: in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11 (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 105k
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 53m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1).

    USD 53mup 72% on 2022
  10. 10

    Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording...HS 852872

    Comes fromChina 46%, 33 source countries
    Nearest export strengthInsulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring... (exports USD 405m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 20k
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 13 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); China supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 39mup 208% on 2022
  11. 11

    Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed...HS 440711

    Comes fromUkraine 100%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlywood: with sheets of wood only: not bamboo: each ply 6mm or less... (exports USD 7m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 39 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Ukraine supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 21mfrom USD 60k in 2022
  12. 12

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, ammonium nitrate, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310230

    Comes fromRussia 74%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 14m, top 65 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Russia supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 14mfrom USD 440k in 2022
  13. 13

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620462

    Comes fromTurkey 44%, 51 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCoats: women's or girls', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes... (exports USD 94m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 10m, top 93 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 4 per cent (3); Turkey supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 10mup 122% on 2022
  14. 14

    Ceramic tiles: flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water...HS 690721

    Comes fromUkraine 23%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCarpets and other textile floor coverings: woven, (not tufted or...
    Exports of this lineUSD 921k
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 32m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 32mup 107% on 2022
  15. 15

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromSerbia 32%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 29m, top 27 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2).

    USD 29mfrom USD 3m in 2022
  16. 16

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromRussia 49%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIce cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 11m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 576k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Russia supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 24mup 203% on 2022
  17. 17

    Vinyl chloride polymers: monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile...HS 391620

    Comes fromUkraine 55%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, for the... (exports USD 22m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 13k
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Ukraine supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 24mup 114% on 2022
  18. 18

    Waters: mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter...HS 220110

    Comes fromRomania 51%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or less (exports USD 88m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19k
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 15m, top 58 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Romania supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 15mup 201% on 2022
  19. 19

    Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...HS 640299

    Comes fromChina 56%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFootwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle)... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 15m, top 64 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); China supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 15mup 202% on 2022
  20. 20

    Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness exceeding 9 mmHS 441114

    Comes fromTurkey 60%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlywood: with sheets of wood only: not bamboo: each ply 6mm or less... (exports USD 7m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 54k
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 85 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Moldova's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); Turkey supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 11mup 77% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Moldova already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Ferrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204 imports USD 103m, exports USD 17m, top source Romania 100%
  • Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages... imports USD 52m, exports USD 23m, top source China 39%
  • Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not... imports USD 33m, exports USD 9m, top source Ukraine 25%
  • Air conditioning machines: comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for... imports USD 30m, exports USD 11m, top source China 83%
  • Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in chapter 18 imports USD 22m, exports USD 4m, top source Russia 38%
  • Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 imports USD 38m, exports USD 21m, top source Germany 23%
  • Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not... imports USD 20m, exports USD 5m, top source Ukraine 34%
  • Leather articles: n.e.c. in chapter 42, of leather or composition leather imports USD 15m, exports USD 1m, top source Hungary 62%
  • Dental fittings: other than artificial teeth imports USD 15m, exports USD 1m, top source South Korea 42%
  • Combine harvester-threshers imports USD 15m, exports USD 2m, top source Poland 30%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 138 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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