Tiraspol announced the suspension of enterprises due to new Moldovan taxes

The VAT and excise taxes introduced by Chisinau actually paralyzed the work of Transnistria enterprises. This was announced by the foreign Minister of the unrecognized Republic Vitaly Ignatiev after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Valeriu Kiver in the Tiraspol office of the OSCE mission.

“Four weeks after the introduction of VAT by Moldova, Transnistrian enterprises practically stopped working,” Vitaly Ignatiev said, defining the purpose of the new taxes as political. According to him, taxes blocked the import of a number of goods.

Chisinau explains the decision differently. Moldovan authorities call it part of the gradual unification of the tax and customs space of the country, as well as a way to create equal conditions for business on both banks of the Dniester. At the first stage, the fees apply to the import of alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, jewelry, fur, cars and other goods classified as non-essential or luxury goods. The list is planned to be expanded in 2027.

The Pridnestrovie industry did not approach the new excise taxes in the best condition. According to local authorities, in 2025, the output of large and medium-sized enterprises decreased by 27.1%. For the region, stopping production means stopping production and shipments, simple equipment and workers, falling wages and tax revenues. The company may formally remain, but no longer produces products.

In the spring of 2026, the Union of Industrialists, Agrarians and Entrepreneurs of the PMR reported that almost all enterprises were on the verge of stopping. In September, four protests took place in the region against Chisinau’s policy towards Transnistria.

The meeting of political representatives of Tiraspol and Chisinau took place after a five-month pause. The parties agreed to intensify direct dialogue and work of expert groups. One of them is the functioning of Moldovan schools in Transnistria and their infrastructure. Chisinau also explained the rules of operation of car registration points and proposed to open a Social Protection Center in Transnistria. The next meeting is scheduled to be held before the end of 2026.

Read more – in the material “Kommersant” “Pridnestrovie added value”.

Vladimir Mavrin, Chisinau-Tiraspol