EU integration pulls Romanian beer out of Moldova

The producers of Tuborg, Carlsberg and Neumarkt beer brands have ended beer exports to the Republic of Moldova, as a result of new customs regulations, which stipulate that a tax of 25 euros per hectolitre of beer must be levied. Before Romania’s integration into the European Union, there were no customs duties between the two states. Following the introduction of these duties, Bere Mures will lose around 600,000 euros a year, given that exports to Moldova accounted for about 1-2% of the producer’s turnover, which stood at 60m euros in 2006. “Currently, the customs duties paid at the border with Moldova stand at 25 euros per hectolitre of beer. Following the enforcement of these customs duties, since the end of 2006 we have decided to redirect Tuborg and Carlsberg exports to Russia. Romania continues to export Skol beer to the Republic of Moldova,” said Shachar Shaine, president of URBB.