Concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in Romania remained at a high level, with volumes around 2.2–2.4 million tons. This period was characterized by strong activity in the construction sector, driven by residential and commercial projects as well as public infrastructure investments. Developers benefited from easier access to financing, which sustained demand for building materials. The market adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 without a major downturn, and by 2021, volume reached 2.4 million tons, partly due to growing interest in energy-efficient and durable construction materials, even as rising energy costs began to affect production expenses.

From 2022 onward, market volume entered a sustained decline, falling to 2.2 million tons in 2022, 1.7 million tons in 2023, and 1.2 million tons in 2024. Soaring energy and raw material costs, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, put upward pressure on prices and likely dampened demand. A key driver of the contraction was the decrease in demand for new housing across Europe, which impacted the Romanian market. Difficult access to financing slowed residential construction by an estimated 22%, and despite the launch of some major state-funded infrastructure projects, overall consumption fell due to macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation.

Production concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 188.8 million US dollars, marking a significant 14.3% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 51.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 15.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production volume of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 204 thousand tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 2.5% year-over-year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 320 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2019 at 2.6% and the biggest increase in 2018 at 3.7%.

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

Exports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks from Romania have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 46 862 tonnes, representing a 25.1% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 18.6%, averaging an annual decline of 6.6%. The peak was in 2018 at 76 922 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 33.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova, Hungary, and Bulgaria remained the top buyers of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks from Romania. Moldova accounted for 44.0% of exports in kind, Hungary for 28.0%, and Bulgaria for 24.1%, together making up 96.1% of total exports.

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

Exports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks from Romania have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 4 252 thousand US dollars, down by 18.3% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 026 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Hungary, and Bulgaria continued to be the key export partners in value terms. Moldova represented 46.7% of exports, Hungary 26.8%, and Bulgaria 22.4%, collectively accounting for 95.9% 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 concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Imports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks into Romania have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 96 697 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 84.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 635.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 94.4%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary were the main contributors to Romania's imports in kind. Bulgaria accounted for 38.9% of imports, Serbia for 33.7%, and Hungary for 11.7%, together making up 84.3% 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 concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 10 033 thousand US dollars, showing a steep rise of 85.9% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 503.9%, with an average annual rate of 82.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary formed the core of Romania's imports in value terms. Bulgaria represented 43.9% of imports, Serbia 26.3%, and Hungary 10.0%, together accounting for 80.2% of total import flows.

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

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