Cherries market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Romanian cherry production fell from 87 070 tonnes in 2018 to 65 560 tonnes in 2023, with significant declines in 2019 and 2022. Market volume followed a similar downward trend, decreasing from 90 069 tonnes to 72 634 tonnes over the same period. However, 2023 saw a 3.6% production increase, supported by intensified monitoring and control of the European cherry fruit fly, which can damage up to 100% of the crop, and the introduction of new high-yielding Sweet series varieties that enhance fruit quality and storability.

Steadily rising imports, from 3 541 tonnes in 2018 to 7 934 tonnes in 2023, helped maintain market volume despite domestic production volatility. Key supplying countries included Italy, Hungary, Greece, and Bulgaria, with their growing shipments influencing price levels and availability on the local market.

Persistent labour shortages in harvesting continued to limit local output by increasing losses and costs. By 2024, adverse weather conditions such as late spring frosts and dry summers, combined with inflationary pressures on fuel and inputs, were reported to further challenge production efficiency and supply chain stability across the region.

Production cherries in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania was among the world's leading cherry producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 14th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

Cherry production in Romania declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Romania produced 71 100 tonnes of cherries, marking a slight decrease of 3.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 21.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 87 070 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 48.9% that year. Conversely, the most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production dropped by 15.6%.

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

Exports cherries from Romania

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Romania's cherry exports rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 335 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 37.3% compared to 2019. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 53.8%, averaging an annual decline of 22.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 244 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual drop of 55.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belarus, and Poland were the key export partners for Romania's cherry shipments in volume terms. Italy accounted for 29.9% of exports, Belarus for 18.0%, and Poland for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 56.9% of Romania's total cherry export flows during this period.

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 for cherries from Romania showed volatility between 2017 and 2020. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 617 thousand US dollars, then surged to a high of 1 134 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking an 83.7% year-over-year increase. Overall, exports varied by 1.8-fold from the low in 2019 to the high in 2020. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belarus, and Estonia were the main markets for Romania's cherry exports in value terms. Italy dominated with 56.6% of export value, followed by Belarus at 11.5% and Estonia at 4.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 73.0% of Romania's total cherry export value during this period.

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

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

Imports cherries to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's cherry imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 5 605 tonnes, showing a steep rise of 47.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 316.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 60.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece and Hungary were the dominant suppliers of cherries to Romania in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 80.1% of total imports, while other sources each contributed relatively small shares.

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 cherry imports in value terms increased for the third year in a row in 2020. Imports were recorded at 5 379 thousand US dollars, indicating an abrupt gain of 68.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 180%, averaging an annual growth rate of 41.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Hungary, and Bulgaria led the structure of Romania's cherry imports in value terms. Greece accounted for 50.8% of import value, Hungary for 16.1%, and Bulgaria for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 76.0% of total import flows during this period.

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

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