Cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Romania expanded from 11.3 million pieces in 2018 to 14.4 million pieces in 2023, while domestic production fell sharply as imports grew. Initial restructuring and modernization of the textile sector aimed to bolster EU competitiveness, but pressure from cheap imports began to strain traditional manufacturers. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed fashion retail in 2020, yet local entrepreneurs reinforced their market position, exemplified by premium knitwear brand Ami Amalia which intensified its domestic focus by producing in Romania with imported yarns.

From 2021, rising consumer preference for personalized and premium cotton products became a key driver, lifting the market value to $98.9 million by 2023. This shift towards higher-quality, natural-fiber items supported the consolidation of local premium production even as import volumes continued to climb. By 2024, established firms like EMA S.A. operated in a challenging competitive environment, while brands such as BUMBĂCEL expanded their retail footprint domestically and into eight countries, emphasizing natural cotton and digital growth.

Production cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 29 756 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 28%, which translates to an annualized decline of 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Romania's production volume of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 2 219 thousand units were produced, marking an 18.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 58.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -25.5%.

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

Exports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Romania's exports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 586 thousand units, down by 36.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 44%, equating to an annualized decline of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Hungary, and Croatia were the main destinations for Romania's exports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in kind. Italy accounted for 31.5% of exports, Hungary for 21.3%, and Croatia for 13.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 66.4% 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

Romania's exports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 26 008 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic decline of 26.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 30.5%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Germany were the principal markets for Romania's exports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in value terms. Together, they accounted for 73.3% of total exports.

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

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

Imports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

Romania's imports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 778 thousand units, which is 0.9% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 32.1%, equating to an annualized increase of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Poland, Turkey, and Germany remained the main sources for Romania's imports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in kind. Poland accounted for 32.6% of imports, Turkey for 12.3%, and Germany for 10.1%. Collectively, these three countries supplied 55.1% 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

Romania's imports of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 81 374 thousand US dollars, up by 12.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 50.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.6%.

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

The structure of Romania's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of partners. Poland accounted for 25.4% of imports, Spain for 12.4%, and Germany for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.5% of total flows, while the remaining 50.5% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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