Apricots market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The apricot market in Romania contracted significantly between 2018 and 2022, with total volume falling from 42 045 tons to 33 302 tons. Domestic production led this decline, dropping by nearly one-third from 34 430 tons to 23 500 tons over the period. Imports varied, reaching a high of 10 055 tons in 2019 before falling to 6 717 tons in 2021 and recovering to 9 903 tons in 2022.

A turnaround began in 2023 as market volume expanded by 4.8% to 34 887 tons, supported by a rebound in production to 24 550 tons and a surge in imports to 11 436 tons. In 2024, amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy strategic plan introduced new procedures for funding and agricultural development, potentially affecting apricot production. Simultaneously, consumer preferences shifted toward sustainable products, influencing demand patterns.

Production apricots in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Romania ranked as the 25th largest producer of apricots during the 2017-2020 period.

Top producers of apricots, 2017-2020

World map of production of apricots, 2017-2020

Romania's apricot production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 26 770 tonnes, marking a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.5%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 34 430 tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 1.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports apricots from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 56 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 335 tonnes, representing a sixfold difference. In 2020, Romania's apricot exports reached 164 tonnes, down 51.1% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 69.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, surging by 498.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, the Netherlands, and Belarus were the leading destinations for Romania's apricot exports in volume terms. Greece accounted for 44.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 15.2%, and Belarus for 13.2%, together making up 73.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 51 000 US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 237 000 US dollars, a difference of 4.7 times. In 2020, exported apricot volumes from Romania totalled 237 000 US dollars, indicating a significant increase of 154.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 59.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and Belarus were the top destinations for Romania's apricot exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 45.4% of exports, Poland for 16.4%, and Belarus for 9.3%, collectively representing 71.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports apricots to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania imported 8 902 tonnes of apricots in 2020, reflecting a sharp decline of 11.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 7 671 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 10 055 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 17.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 31.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Turkey, and Serbia were the primary sources for Romania's apricot imports in volume terms, together accounting for 73.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's apricot import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 10 779 000 US dollars, reflecting a strong rise of 24.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Turkey, and Serbia were the leading sources for Romania's apricot imports in value terms. Greece accounted for 31.5% of imports, Turkey for 29.0%, and Serbia for 10.9%, jointly making up 71.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020