Romania and Moldova report significant economic shifts in debt and trade

Economic indicators in Romania and Moldova show significant shifts in debt, trade, and corporate performance. In Romania, the National Bank reported that total external debt rose by 4.3 billion euros in the first half of 2026, reaching 232.7 billion euros. This increase was largely driven by public administration debt. Meanwhile, the Bucharest Stock Exchange has shown strong performance, with the BET index recording a 47.1% nominal advance since the start of the year.

Rompetrol Rafinare reported a 25% increase in gross turnover for the first half of 2026, totaling 3.5 billion dollars, with a net result of 40.4 million dollars. This growth was supported by market conditions and increased fuel consumption, despite production declines due to scheduled refinery maintenance.

In Moldova, sunflower oil exports saw a dramatic 81% decline in July 2026 compared to June. Additionally, the National Bank of Moldova raised its base rate from 5% to 7.5%, a move intended to curb lending and encourage savings, though experts note its immediate impact on consumer credit remains limited. The number of millionaires in Moldova also grew, with 9,643 individuals declaring annual incomes exceeding one million lei in 2025.