Dextrins and other modified starches market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Romanian production of dextrins and modified starches expanded rapidly from 3.1 thousand t in 2018 to 13.7 thousand t in 2020. This growth was supported by regulatory updates, including the 2018 introduction of purity criteria for beta-cyclodextrin, which clarified standards for manufacturers. The 2019 amendment to Order No. 318/2005, which included beta-cyclodextrin in the list of substances with specific purity criteria, facilitated market entry for local producers. Furthermore, the 2020 issuance of health norms for the use of additives E1404–E1452 in bakery and pastry products increased demand from the food industry, stimulating domestic output.

After peaking in 2020, production declined to 10.4 thousand t in 2021, coinciding with the European Commission's publication of a new list of authorized food additives and the introduction of technical requirements for manufacturing dietary supplements containing dextrins and modified starches, which compelled producers to adapt their processes. Imports remained relatively stable until 2021, when they rose by 32% to 9.3 thousand t, likely due to the need to comply with the updated EU-wide authorization rules. Exports showed significant volatility, surging to 13.8 thousand t in 2020 before contracting sharply, partly linked to the 2022 tightening of restrictions on hydroxylethyl starch (HES) infusion solutions, which reduced demand from the medical sector.

The market saw further evolution with the 2023 release of guidelines for transparent labeling of food additives, requiring explicit declaration of dextrin type and starch modification degree, affecting packaging and marketing practices. By 2024, tax incentives for SMEs in the agri-food sector, introduced through Emergency Ordinance No. 18/2024, encouraged investment in local production, contributing to a reduction in imports to 8.1 thousand t. The market volume in physical terms grew from 6.4 thousand t in 2019 to 7.8 thousand t in 2021, reflecting increased domestic consumption.

Production dextrins and other modified starches in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of dextrins and other modified starches has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 4 285 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 50.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 153.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 36.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of dextrins and other modified starches has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 13 730 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 151.5% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production surged by 344.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 64.4%.

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

Exports dextrins and other modified starches from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 237 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 13 811 tonnes, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.2 times. In 2020, Romania's export volume increased sharply by 121.4% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2019, at 40.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Austria, and Ukraine were the main buyers of dextrins and other modified starches from Romania, accounting for 56.3%, 14.1%, and 10.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they comprised 81.3% of total exports in kind.

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, Romania's exports of dextrins and other modified starches amounted to 5 576 thousand US dollars, showing an increase of 66.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 356 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 27.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 48%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Austria, and Ukraine remained the key destinations for Romania's exports in value terms, accounting for 40.9%, 21.3%, and 11.2% of exports, respectively. Together, they took 73.5% 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 dextrins and other modified starches to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of dextrins and other modified starches declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 7 020 tonnes, a slight decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 424 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 7.3%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Germany, and Italy were the largest suppliers of dextrins and other modified starches to Romania, accounting for 28.6%, 16.0%, and 15.9% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they formed 60.5% of total imports in kind.

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

In 2020, Romania's imports of dextrins and other modified starches amounted to 7 551 thousand US dollars, reflecting a small gain of 1.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 024 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 13.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 7.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy consistently held leading positions in Romania's import structure in value terms, accounting for 20.5%, 19.6%, and 14.5% of imports, respectively. Jointly, they accounted for 54.6% 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