Flexible plastic tubes, pipes and hoses market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Romanian market for flexible plastic tubes and hoses was influenced by the entry of new domestic producers and technological advancements. The arrival of the Romanian manufacturer Extro Flex, specializing in plastic tubes for electrical installations with a focus on innovation and recyclable materials, expanded local supply. Concurrently, the availability of locally produced HDPE tubes, such as those from Prima Plus's own plant in Arad, distributed through specialized retail networks, increased market access. Technological innovations like EXTRO tubes with enhanced resistance to low temperatures, preventing cracking in Romania's climate, addressed specific regional needs. These developments, along with the continued evolution of tubes with special features like antistatic and antibacterial treatments in 2019, supported market activity. As a result, the market volume remained stable at around 72 000 t in 2019 and 2020, while its value grew from 166.1 million $ to 202.4 million $, indicating a move toward more advanced, higher-value products.

Market volume surged by 25% to 89 950 t in 2021, representing a peak in physical demand. By 2023, volume receded to 70 289 t, yet the market's value continued its upward trajectory, reaching 292.5 million $. This divergence was partly shaped by a growing industry emphasis on sustainability and the use of recyclable materials in production. Furthermore, the implementation of updated European data protection and privacy regulations (GDPR and E-Privacy Directive) by Romanian companies in the electrical materials sector, including flexible tube suppliers, introduced new compliance parameters that likely influenced operational costs and product positioning.

Production flexible plastic tubes and hoses in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses was valued at 152.0 million US dollars, representing an 18.9% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 60 499 tonnes of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses, marking a modest decrease of 6.3% from 2019.

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

Exports flexible plastic tubes and hoses from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania exported 9 905 tonnes of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in 2020, showing a limited advance of 3.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 10.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.3%.

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

An analysis of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Italy accounted for 15.9% of exports in kind, Spain for 9.6%, and Moldova for 7.4%, together making up only 32.9% of total flows. The remaining 67.1% was distributed among numerous other partners.

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

After a two-year rise, Romania's exports of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses declined in 2020, with export volume totaling 67.7 million US dollars. This represented a gradual reduction of 6.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 27.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 72.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Moldova were important buyers of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses from Romania in value terms. Germany accounted for 17.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 9.2%, and Moldova for 8.6%. However, their combined share reached only 35.0% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 65.0% distributed among many other partners.

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

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

Imports flexible plastic tubes and hoses to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 21 467 tonnes. This represents a 29.5% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 53.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in kind remained highly diversified. Germany accounted for 22.8% of imports in kind, Italy for 17.9%, and Poland for 8.8%, together making up only 49.4% of total flows. The remaining 50.6% was formed by a long tail of smaller markets.

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

In 2020, Romania's imports of flexible plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses from abroad stood at 118.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.7% increase over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 15.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Czechia remained key partners in imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 35.0% of imports, Italy for 10.9%, and Czechia for 9.9%, together making up 55.8% of total flows.

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

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