Traditionally, Moldova has maintained a trade surplus with the other Soviet republics and a trade deficit with the rest of the world. However, today, Moldova's only significant trade surplus is with Russia. Total imports almost double total exports.

A trade agreement between the United States and Moldova providing reciprocal most-favored-nation tariff treatment became effective in 1992. The same year, an overseas Private Investment Corporation agreement, encouraging US private investment by providing direct loans and loan guarantees, was signed. In 1993 a bilateral investment treaty was signed between the United States and Moldova; a general system of preferences status was granted in 1995 as well as the availability of EX-IM bank coverage.

Wine tops the list of Moldova's export commodities (24%), followed by apparel (16%). Other exports include tobacco(6.5%), glassware (5.7%), and meat (5.4%).