Crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for crude sunflower and safflower oil in Romania saw its volume grow from 40.8 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 54.8 thousand tonnes in 2020, with value rising from USD 19.4 million to USD 29.8 million. This expansion was primarily due to a drought in 2020 that curtailed domestic sunflower seed output, forcing increased oil imports to sustain processing capacity. Additionally, port disruptions in Ukraine and Russia, major global suppliers, elevated prices and tightened local stocks, further prompting import reliance.

In the following years, the market adapted to continued external pressures. The war in Ukraine in 2022 severely constrained regional exports, spiking prices and straining raw material availability in Romania, which led to a surge in imports to 36 thousand tonnes that year. Market structure also evolved, exemplified by the proposed acquisition of local producer Argus Constanța by Bulgarian firm Buildcom EOOD, indicating regional consolidation. Meanwhile, used cooking oil collection schemes by retailers and fuel stations persisted, enhancing environmental sustainability. Romania's position as a leading sunflower seed producer in the EU supported export activity, though trade flows fluctuated in response to these shocks.

Production crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 125.3 million US dollars, down 1.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.8%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 158.7 million US dollars. The largest year-over-year decrease occurred in 2019, at 19.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 10.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 169.8 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 7.6% compared to the previous year. The peak production was in 2018, reaching 223.1 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline happened in 2019, at 17.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 32.0%.

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

Exports crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's exports of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 139.4 thousand tonnes, down 9.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest export volume was in 2018, at 186.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, at 18.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 42.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, South Africa, and Italy were the main buyers of Romania's crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions by volume. Spain accounted for 25.3% of exports, South Africa for 19.8%, and Italy for 17.9%. Together, these three countries made up 63.0% 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, M $ US

Romania's exports of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 115.9 million US dollars, showing minimal change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 9.8%, equivalent to an average annual growth of 3.2%. The peak value was in 2018, at 143.1 million US dollars. The largest decrease was in 2019, at 18.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 35.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and South Africa led Romania's export structure by value. Spain represented 23.9% of exports, Italy 19.7%, and South Africa 19.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 62.8% 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 crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed volatility during the observed period. Import volumes hit a low in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 24.4 thousand tonnes, a sharp increase of 134.2% from 2019. The lowest volume was in 2018, at 4.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 69.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 138.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Hungary remained the main suppliers of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Romania by volume. Moldova accounted for 40.3% of imports, Bulgaria for 18.4%, and Hungary for 16.9%. Together, these three countries formed 75.6% 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, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend over the timeframe. Import values fluctuated, with a low in 2018 and a high in 2020, showing a 5.4-fold difference. In 2020, import value was 20.4 million US dollars, a substantial rise of 177.4% from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018, at 3.7 million US dollars. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, at 72.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Hungary were the key sources for Romania's imports of crude sunflower or safflower oil and fractions by value. Moldova represented 33.8% of imports, Bulgaria 22.5%, and Hungary 17.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 73.8% 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