Corrugated paper and paperboard market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian corrugated paper and paperboard market contracted from 88.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 70.4 thousand tonnes in 2020. This decline was driven by persistently high energy costs, which reached up to 30% of production expenses, and massive exports of waste paper that severely reduced the domestic supply of essential raw material. Supply chain delays and the closure of some small European mills added pressure, while strategic moves like DS Smith's acquisition of EcoPack and EcoPaper and Dunapack's plans for a new factory near Bucharest signaled long-term capacity investments.

Market volume recovered to 81.4 thousand tonnes in 2021, despite ongoing pandemic-related disruptions, supported by rising European recycling rates and investments in renewable energy, such as at the Romcarton plant. The following year, a sharp 30-40% surge in European paper prices, alongside continued high energy and raw material costs, led to an 8% drop in physical volume to 74.9 thousand tonnes, although the market's value increased to 71.8 million USD. During this period, the National Circular Economy Strategy set ambitious recycling targets, and consumer preference shifted towards more efficient packaging formats.

Growth resumed in 2023 and 2024, with market volume reaching 87.6 thousand tonnes, nearly matching the 2018 level. This expansion indicates the industry's stabilization after a period of significant cost and supply challenges.

Production corrugated paper and paperboard in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 53 106 K $ US, representing a 15.6% decrease from the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 72 112 K $ US, with the largest annual increase that year at 3.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 23.9%, averaging an annual decline of 8.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard production volume dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 74 772 t, which is 12.1% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 23.9%, translating to an average annual reduction of 8.7%.

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

Exports corrugated paper and paperboard from Romania

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard exports saw an uptick. In 2020, export volume reached 8 879 t, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 9.3%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 8 121 t, with the sharpest decline that year at 13.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 12.5%, averaging a 4.4% annual decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary was the primary buyer of corrugated paper and paperboard from Romania, accounting for 75.0% of total exports in volume. Other countries made up the remainder.

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

In 2020, corrugated paper and paperboard exports from Romania amounted to 6 857 K $ US, showing a slight improvement of 0.8% compared to the previous year. Exports hit their lowest in 2019 at 6 805 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 16.8%, while the peak was in 2018 at 8 175 K $ US, with the biggest increase that year at 2.1%. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports decreased by 14.4%, averaging a 5.1% annual drop.

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

During 2017–2020, Hungary dominated Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard exports in value terms, holding a 75.5% share. Other markets contributed to a smaller portion of the total 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 corrugated paper and paperboard to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard imports fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 4 529 t, down 16.6% year-over-year. Imports reached their highest in 2018 at 5 438 t, with the largest increase that year at 39.9%. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 16.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard imports in volume were Hungary (35.8%), Germany (26.9%), and Serbia (15.2%). Together, these three countries represented 77.9% of total imports.

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

Corrugated paper and paperboard imports into Romania declined for the second year running. In 2020, imports were valued at 4 688 K $ US, a 26.4% drop from the previous year. The peak occurred in 2018 at 6 858 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 65.2%. Over the 2017–2020 span, imports increased by 13%, averaging 4.1% annual growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top sources for Romania's corrugated paper and paperboard imports in value were Germany (36.4%), Hungary (32.8%), and Serbia (10.7%). Combined, these countries accounted for 79.8% 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