EastFruit analysts report Moldova's continued efforts to diversify apple exports amidst Russian market instability. Southeast Asia is now a key focus for Moldovan apple exports.
Following Ukraine, which pioneered fresh apple exports to Singapore and Malaysia between 2017 and 2019, Moldova began exporting apples to these nations. In February and March 2025, Moldova resumed apple exports to Malaysia after initial exports in early 2024. Although volumes decreased in 2025, maintaining market presence remains notable.
Profitable apple exports from Moldova and Ukraine to Southeast Asia occur from February to May, when China, Iran, and Turkey face supply shortages. Domestic apple prices rise during this period, facilitating logistics cost coverage.
According to EastFruit, in February-March, Singapore's retail apple prices ranged from $4 to $8 per kg. Moldovan apples, primarily in the mass market segment, were priced at $4-5 USD per kg. Concurrently, Malaysia's retail apple prices ranged from $2.5 to $5 per kg, with mass market apples priced at no more than $3.0 per kg. Import prices for apples were consistent in both markets, within $1.3-1.7 USD per kg in the mass market segment.
During the same timeframe, export-quality apples in Moldova and Ukraine were available at $0.6 to $0.8 per kg, allowing profitable exports to Southeast Asia.
Source: EastFruit