Moldova used up EU's wine quotas

The Republic of Moldova has already used up the import quotas on wine granted by the European Union. In the period from March 1 to October 15 the Minister of Economy and Trade issued 577 warrants to 341 wineries for the export of the 6 million liters of wine allowed, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the Ministry, as of today the 15,000 tonne white-sugar import quota established by the EU for Moldova has been used in a proportion of 93.1 percent, that is, 12,970 tonnes. Warrants for barley exports have been issued since June, with 8,141tonnes (40.7%) being exported out of 20,000 tonnes allowed. For 2009, the European Union has raised the quotas on the import of these three categories of goods: effective 1 January 2008, the quota on wine will be 7 million liters, on white-sugar 18,000 tonnes and on barley 25,000 tonnes. The EU has become Moldova's main trading partner due to the Autonomous Trade Preferences, with over 55 percent of Moldovan exports destined to the EU markets. Over January-August 2008, Moldova's exports to the EU constituted $545.8m, up 34 percent on the similar period last year. Most of the exports went to Romania - $226m, Italy - $116m, Germany - $48.8m, Poland -$36m, and the United Kingdom - $31m. The best exporting goods to the EU are fabrics, electric equipment, foods and alcoholic beverages, vegetal products, footwear, etc.