Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Romanian market for asphalt paving mixtures was shaped by key regulatory foundations. The publication of the AND 605-2016 norm in late 2017 established technical design, preparation, and laying conditions, while labeling and packaging requirements for storable mixtures were introduced. These standards raised quality benchmarks for producers. In 2020, increased investment in new-generation eco-friendly production plants with computerized process control helped sustain production capacity, supporting a market size of $111.5 million that year.

Market volume contracted to $93.1 million in 2021, yet the period saw regulatory advances that extended the working season. New technical conditions permitting laying at temperatures as low as 5°C with special additives were published, and provisions on negative tolerances for pavement thickness in maintenance works took effect, facilitating faster project execution. By 2022, a sharp rise in asphalt prices—up 46% due to higher oil prices, supply chain issues, and amplified demand for infrastructure projects—contributed to a market recovery to $95.5 million in value terms.

Growth accelerated from 2023 onward, reaching a market size of $125.8 million in 2024. This surge was propelled by the adoption of low-temperature production technologies, such as those implemented by company Viarom covering 20% of its output, which reduce energy use and extend the paving season. Concurrently, ongoing investments in high-capacity batch plants, like the 180 t/h Unibatch station, bolstered domestic production capacity. The 2024 update of the technical norm with new equipment verification parameters and the expanded use of additives to lower production temperatures further supported market expansion.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Romania was 107.3 million US dollars, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 239.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 50.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production volume of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 1 779 thousand tonnes were produced, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 252.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 52.2%.

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

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 44 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 1 429 tonnes—a fluctuation of 32 times. In 2020, exports were 135.5% higher than in the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 90.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 1 276.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Moldova, Ukraine, and Hungary—together accounted for 81.0% of Romania's total exports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in kind.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports bottomed in 2018 at 73 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 770 thousand US dollars—differing by a factor of 10.5. In 2020, exports were 83.6% greater year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 74.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 471.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova (66.0% of exports in value terms), Ukraine (12.1%), and the United Kingdom (6.6%) formed the main cluster of markets for Romania's exports, with a combined share of 84.7% of total 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 asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 6 157 tonnes, marking an uptick of 18.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 134.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 32.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (23.3% of imports in kind), Greece (16.1%), and Poland (15.2%) were the largest suppliers of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Romania, together forming 54.6% of total imports in kind.

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 imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 4 936 thousand US dollars, marking a rise of 21.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 111.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (33.1% of imports in value terms), Poland (14.7%), and Greece (10.1%) consistently occupied leading positions in Romania's import structure, jointly accounting for 57.9% of total flows.

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

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