Moldova’s industrial production (chart) increased by 2.4% year-on-year in January-February 2026, supported by strong growth in the energy sector, while a steep contraction in extractive industries weighed on overall performance, the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS) reported.

From a broader perspective, the industrial recovery reflects base effects after a marked contraction at the end of 2024 and early 2025, while remaining below the average level of 2021-2025.

Adjusted for working days and seasonality, industrial output rose by 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

Growth was driven primarily by the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and air conditioning, which expanded by 12.5%, alongside a modest 0.4% increase in manufacturing output.

However, the extractive industry recorded a sharp 48.5% decline, significantly offsetting gains in other sectors. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the drop was even steeper at 49.3%.

Moldova’s extractive sector is relatively narrow, focused on non-metallic raw materials such as limestone, gypsum, clay, sand and gravel, which are mainly used in construction and industrial processes. Activity is concentrated around quarry operations and cement and lime production facilities in regions including Florești, Călărași, Rezina and Rîbnița.

The scale of the contraction points to deeper pressures affecting the sector. Industry observers link the decline to a combination of factors, including higher energy costs, increased competition from lower-priced construction materials imported from Ukraine and a slowdown in domestic demand.