Ukraine and Moldova are discussing a possible reduction in railway transit tariffs for Ukrainian cargo moving through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanța. The initiative is particularly important for agricultural exporters as growing security risks around Black Sea ports are pushing Ukrainian businesses to rely more heavily on alternative transport routes.
According to Reuters, Ukraine has proposed that Moldova reduce railway transit tariffs by around 50%. The route could potentially handle up to 4.5 million tonnes of grain per year, equivalent to around 10% of Ukraine’s grain exports. Moldova is considering the proposal while seeking commitments regarding the expected cargo volumes.
For Moldova, the corridor also has a clear economic incentive. Additional Ukrainian transit would generate more traffic and revenue for its railway network. However, CFM is facing a shortage of locomotives and has asked Ukraine to provide additional traction capacity to support higher freight volumes.
The Constanța route is becoming increasingly important as the security situation affects maritime exports. The European Commission notes that risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea and Danube region remain a concern, prompting Ukraine, Moldova and Romania, together with the EU, to develop additional alternative routes.
Rail is already an important part of Ukraine’s export logistics. According to the European Commission, around 50% of Ukraine’s non-agricultural exports were moving through the Solidarity Lanes in April 2026. Since May 2022, these alternative routes have helped Ukraine export approximately 226 million tonnes of goods and import around 108 million tonnes of essential cargo.
For businesses, the development of the Moldova–Constanța corridor creates another option for reaching European ports. Modern logistics increasingly depends on the ability to switch routes according to security conditions, tariffs, border capacity and the availability of transport resources.
LOADSTAR can calculate the most suitable route for your cargo, taking into account current border conditions, transport costs and available logistics solutions.
According to Reuters, Ukraine has proposed that Moldova reduce railway transit tariffs by around 50%. The route could potentially handle up to 4.5 million tonnes of grain per year, equivalent to around 10% of Ukraine’s grain exports. Moldova is considering the proposal while seeking commitments regarding the expected cargo volumes.
For Moldova, the corridor also has a clear economic incentive. Additional Ukrainian transit would generate more traffic and revenue for its railway network. However, CFM is facing a shortage of locomotives and has asked Ukraine to provide additional traction capacity to support higher freight volumes.
The Constanța route is becoming increasingly important as the security situation affects maritime exports. The European Commission notes that risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea and Danube region remain a concern, prompting Ukraine, Moldova and Romania, together with the EU, to develop additional alternative routes.
Rail is already an important part of Ukraine’s export logistics. According to the European Commission, around 50% of Ukraine’s non-agricultural exports were moving through the Solidarity Lanes in April 2026. Since May 2022, these alternative routes have helped Ukraine export approximately 226 million tonnes of goods and import around 108 million tonnes of essential cargo.
For businesses, the development of the Moldova–Constanța corridor creates another option for reaching European ports. Modern logistics increasingly depends on the ability to switch routes according to security conditions, tariffs, border capacity and the availability of transport resources.
LOADSTAR can calculate the most suitable route for your cargo, taking into account current border conditions, transport costs and available logistics solutions.
