Edible brassicas market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled edible brassicas in Romania fell sharply from 785.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 410.5 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a substantial drop in domestic production, which decreased from 748.5 thousand tons to 379.0 thousand tons over the same period. Drought conditions in 2020 damaged harvests, reducing output, while rising production and transport costs in 2021 and 2022 kept consumer prices high, dampening demand.

Throughout the period, imports played a significant role, covering over 30% of consumption in some years, particularly from Macedonia and Poland. The market saw the introduction of new product segments like flat-headed white cabbage, valued for fresh consumption and processing. A trend toward shorter supply chains and growing online sales of vegetables also emerged, altering distribution dynamics. Imports, which had fluctuated between 34 and 46 thousand tons, increased to 46.7 thousand tons in 2024.

Production edible brassicas in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania was one of the world's top producers of edible brassicas, ranking 17th globally by production volume.

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Romania's edible brassicas production declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 607 thousand tonnes, marking an 8.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 43.9%, with an average annual decline of 17.5%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 275 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 1 326 tonnes in 2019—a 4.8-fold increase. In 2020, shipments abroad dropped to 971 tonnes, a sharp 26.8% year-over-year decrease. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 60.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 381.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Spain, and Moldova were the key destinations for Romania's edible brassicas exports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 20.6% of exports, Spain for 15.7%, and Moldova for 14.3%, together making up 50.6% of total flows.

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

Market behavior was volatile during these years. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 131 thousand US dollars, rising to a peak of 559 thousand US dollars in 2019—a 4.3-fold difference. In 2020, exports totaled 534 thousand US dollars, showing a gradual 4.5% decrease from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 33.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 326.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Moldova, and Poland were the main buyers of Romanian edible brassicas in value terms. Spain represented 24.0% of exports, Moldova 15.8%, and Poland 11.0%, collectively accounting for 50.9% 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 edible brassicas to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania imported 35 752 tonnes of edible brassicas, a 4.3% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 37 385 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 19.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, North Macedonia, Poland, and Italy were the leading suppliers of edible brassicas to Romania in volume terms. North Macedonia contributed 30.7% of imports, Poland 17.7%, and Italy 9.5%, together representing 57.8% of total import volume.

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

After two years of growth, Romania's edible brassicas import volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 19 734 thousand US dollars, a 23.3% year-over-year reduction. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 31.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 25 743 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 35.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import market in value terms was fragmented. North Macedonia accounted for 17.3% of imports, Germany for 16.1%, and Poland for 15.3%, together making up 48.7% of total flows, with no single partner dominating clearly.

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

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