Builders’ wares of plastics market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Romanian market for plastic builders' wares expanded from $483 million to $751 million. This growth occurred while Romania had not yet transposed the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, allowing plastic products to be marketed without specific restrictions. The entry into force of Government Ordinance No. 6/2021 in August 2021 established progressive reduction targets for single-use plastics and mandatory separate collection systems, prompting manufacturers to invest in reusable or biodegradable alternatives for construction applications. Simultaneously, Alpla's acquisition of Wolf Plastics in August 2021 strengthened the presence of multinational groups in the industrial plastic packaging sector, influencing competition and investment strategies among local producers.

After peaking in 2021, the market size adjusted to $698 million in 2023. During 2022-2023, enhanced reporting obligations under Ordinance No. 6/2021 and the publication of EU Directive 2022/1616 on recycled plastic materials imposed additional administrative costs and safety requirements for plastic construction products. The adoption of a new EU construction products regulation in July 2023 introduced updated CE marking and sustainability criteria, necessitating re-certification of plastic builders' wares. Concurrently, Alpla's €52 million investment to expand production capacity in Romania, including a recycling line for post-consumer recycled material, signaled the industry's adaptation to tightening environmental standards.

In 2024, the entry into force of EU Regulation 2022/2055 (PPWR) set strict requirements on recycled content, design, and labeling of plastic packaging, forcing Romanian producers to redesign products and invest in recycling technologies. Alpla's launch of the ALPLAindustrial brand for large-volume industrial plastic containers further consolidated its local market position, driving competition and product portfolio modernization among domestic companies.

Production plastic builders’ wares in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of builders' wares of plastics has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 660.7 million US dollars, an 8.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

Exports plastic builders’ wares from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of builders' wares of plastics from Romania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 67 067 tonnes, up 15.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 44.8%, with an average annual rate of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Germany consistently led Romania's exports of builders' wares of plastics by volume. Italy accounted for 44.6% of exports, France for 18.8%, and Germany for 8.8%, together making up 72.2% 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, M $ US

Romania's exports of builders' wares of plastics in value terms have risen for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 237.7 million US dollars, a modest increase of 4.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.4%, while the highest growth was in 2018 at 24.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, France, and Germany remained the top markets for Romania's builders' wares of plastics exports by value. Italy held 47.1% of exports, France 17.6%, and Germany 7.8%, collectively representing 72.5% 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 plastic builders’ wares to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Imports of builders' wares of plastics into Romania have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 52 501 tonnes, a strong increase of 11.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 72.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of builders' wares of plastics by volume were spread across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 17.1% of imports, Bulgaria for 16.2%, and Poland for 12.5%, together making up just 45.8% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

Imports of builders' wares of plastics into Romania in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 141.6 million US dollars, marking a robust gain of 14.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 60.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of imports by value was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 18.7% of imports, Poland for 13.1%, and Bulgaria for 11.5%, together representing only 43.4% of total flows. The remaining 56.6% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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