Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Romania saw strong volume growth, reaching 38 747 t in 2020. This expansion was driven by substantial capacity investments from local producers like Austrotherm and Hirsch Porozell, who announced and executed plant expansions. Fierce competition among approximately twenty polystyrene manufacturers exerted downward pressure on selling prices, moderating value growth. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted raw material supply chains, including for pentane, and raised costs, but sustained demand for polystyrene insulation in the construction sector supported consumption volumes.

A market adjustment occurred in 2021-2022. Austrotherm finalized its investment to expand the Roman plant to 200 000 m³/year, and VeroTherm similarly boosted its EPS capacity by around 30%. However, the enforcement of Emergency Ordinance no. 92/2021 in 2022, which banned single-use expanded polystyrene containers like boxes, cups, and lids, reduced demand for a segment of products, contributing to a market volume decline to 26 326 t in 2022. Simultaneously, sharp monthly fluctuations in the price of imported raw materials, constituting over 80% of final cost, squeezed producer margins, as evidenced by Austrotherm's 60% net profit drop reported for 2023.

The market began a recovery from 2023 onward, reaching 31 947 t in 2024. Manufacturers continued to invest in modernization; for instance, VeroTherm increased its EPS output by 30% after commissioning an automated expansion and packaging line. Hirsch Porozell launched product innovations like a 'smart polystyrene box' with a QR code, targeting new segments. The transposition of anti-plastic legislation mandated clear labeling of polystyrene packaging and encouraged reusable alternatives. These factors, alongside a maintained base of roughly twenty EPS production facilities in the country, supported steady market volume growth.

Production cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 99 229 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, it had fallen to 82 053 thousand US dollars, marking a 17.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 42.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 12.6%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 35.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production volume of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 41 545 tonnes, an 8.3% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 103%, averaging an annual growth rate of 26.6%.

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

Exports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in volume terms rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 9 655 tonnes, up 4.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 128.8%, with an average annual increase of 31.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria were the primary markets for Romania's exports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 28.2% of exports, Hungary for 26.1%, and Bulgaria for 23.1%. Together, these three countries represented 77.5% 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 export market in value terms showed volatility over the period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018 at 21 076 thousand US dollars, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports were valued at 19 343 thousand US dollars, showing only a slight change from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.7% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 102.8% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Poland, and Bulgaria were the leading destinations for Romania's exports in value terms. Hungary held a 29.1% share, Poland 23.5%, and Bulgaria 22.0%. Collectively, these three markets made up 74.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 6 857 tonnes, a 4.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 110.4%, averaging an annual rate of 28.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Poland, and Greece were the key sources for Romania's imports in volume terms. Bulgaria contributed 38.7% of imports, Poland 20.1%, and Greece 12.0%. Together, these three partners accounted for 70.7% 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, K $ US

Romania's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 19 332 thousand US dollars, up 17.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 90.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Poland, and Greece formed the main group of partners for Romania's imports in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 32.0% of imports, Poland for 28.0%, and Greece for 9.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 69.9% of total import value.

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

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