Moldova’s industrial output (chart) rose 6.2% y/y in Q3 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of strengthening activity, the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS) said on November 20. Manufacturing, the core component of industrial production, recorded a 6.7% y/y increase, while the more volatile utilities segment grew 2.1% y/y.

Moldova's industry had stagnated with a mild downward trend before the sudden deterioration in the last quarter of 2024. The recovery through 2025 has been particularly driven by labour-intensive sectors, where the country still holds a competitive advantage compared to its peers in the region.

Across the first three quarters of the year, industrial output increased 3.4% y/y, with manufacturing advancing 2.5% y/y. The figures confirm a gradual recovery from the 5.4% y/y contraction registered in Q4 2024. BNS noted that the strong Q2 and Q3 performances, both above 5% y/y, were achieved without favourable base effects, which are expected to support annual growth in Q4.

Seasonally and workday-adjusted data show that industrial production rose 2.7% quarter-over-quarter (q/q) in Q3, following gains of 2.3% q/q in Q2 and 4.8% q/q in Q1. The consistent quarterly trajectory indicates broad-based recovery across key sectors.

Food and beverages, one of the largest industrial categories, continued to underperform. In Q3, food production increased 0.6% y/y, while beverages fell 1.3% y/y. For January–September, food processing posted a 5.6% y/y decline, contrasting with a modest 1.0% y/y rise in beverage production.

Labour-intensive sectors remained the main drivers of industrial growth through 2025. Clothing production increased 14.8% y/y in Q3 and 18.9% y/y in the first nine months. Metal constructions also recorded substantial expansion, rising 43% y/y in Q1 and 27% y/y in January–September. The production of electronic and optical devices, largely linked to car parts manufacturing, delivered the most pronounced gains, up 73% y/y in Q3 and 59% y/y for January–September.

BNS data indicate that these labour-intensive export-oriented industries have played a central role in stabilising and expanding Moldova’s industrial base this year. The sectors’ strong performance has compensated for ongoing weakness in food processing, structurally a core industrial activity, and has supported broader economic resilience amid shifting regional conditions.