Beef and buffalo meat market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the beef and buffalo meat market in Romania remained stable at around 82 000 t, supported by a longer-term rise in meat consumption and financial aid for calf and organic producers. This period of stability followed a previously reported market contraction, with state subsidies aimed at boosting organic production and labeling helping to underpin the sector.

The market volume surged to 100 163 t in 2020, a growth that coincided with the introduction of premium beef products such as Angus and Charolaise, backed by investments in new high-capacity processing facilities. Subsequently, from 2021 to 2023, the market contracted steadily to 85 973 t. This decline was driven by supply constraints including disease outbreaks, a structural reduction in herds, and profitability challenges, which led to higher prices and tighter availability even as new slaughtering and packaging units were launched.

Romanian consumer preferences strongly favored beef, with over 90% eating meat weekly, and interest in matured and premium cuts grew. However, per capita consumption remained well below the EU average, pointing to a market evolving through quality and segmentation rather than simple volume expansion.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Romania produced 87.5 thousand tonnes of beef and buffalo meat in 2020, marking an 18.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 42.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.4%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 28.0%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's beef and buffalo meat exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 4 639 tonnes, representing a 37.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 68.6%, with an average annual decline of 32.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (20.0% of exports by volume), the Netherlands (17.0%), and Bulgaria (13.0%) were the largest buyers of Romanian beef and buffalo meat, though none held a dominant position. Together, these three countries accounted for 49.9% of total exports, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

Romania's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 18 232 thousand US dollars, a 31.9% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 61.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 27.3%.

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

The structure of Romania's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Poland (16.0% of export value), the Netherlands (14.5%), and Sweden (14.0%) were the top destinations, but together they accounted for just 44.6% of total flows, with no single country dominating the market.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's beef and buffalo meat imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 17 311 tonnes, showing a gradual year-on-year rise of 9.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes grew by 41.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (23.1% of imports by volume), Germany (17.1%), and Poland (15.7%) consistently remained the main sources for Romania's beef and buffalo meat imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 55.9% of total import volumes.

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

In 2020, Romania's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms amounted to 67 524 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 27.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 67 780 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.4% and the largest increase in 2018 at 27.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands — together accounted for 59.3% of the total value of beef and buffalo meat imports into Romania.

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

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