Fresh or chilled beef market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian fresh beef market opened the period at 38 242 t in 2018, buoyed by record per capita consumption of 77 kg driven by higher incomes. Simultaneously, an EU regulation permitting frozen meat to be labeled as 'fresh' introduced confusion and pressure on beef labeling standards. Market volume dipped slightly to 37 330 t in 2019, though consumer surveys showed 94% of respondents preferred refrigerated fresh meat. A rebound to 37 959 t occurred in 2020, coinciding with a decline in average cattle prices at slaughter, which lowered input costs for the industry.

From 2021 onward, import and export flows displayed volatility. Cattle production grew by 12.2% in 2021, yet beef's share in total meat output fell by one percentage point, signaling a structural shift in supply. Dependence on imports remained high, with meat imports accounting for over 80% of consumption by 2023. EU-level discussions on mandatory 'defrosted' labeling for frozen meat gained momentum in 2022, anticipating regulatory revisions that could affect fresh beef marketing. By 2024, new EU rules required clear 'defrosted' labeling, aiming to eliminate the sale of frozen meat as fresh and impacting the beef supply chain. During this time, the share of beef in total meat production continued to decline by an additional percentage point, reflecting producers' orientation toward other species.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Romania's fresh or chilled beef production value rebounded in 2020. Output reached 130.7 million US dollars, marking a 4.6% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 124.9 million US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 24.0% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's fresh or chilled beef production volume continued its downward trend for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 35 784 tonnes, showing a modest decline of 6.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 39.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 15.4%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of fresh or chilled beef fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 3 576 tonnes, reflecting a significant decrease of 41.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 73.3%, with an average annual decline of 35.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria remained the top buyers of fresh or chilled beef from Romania. Poland accounted for 22.3% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 19.4%, and Bulgaria for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 52.9% of Romania's total exports in this category.

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

The value of Romania's fresh or chilled beef exports declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 14.901 million US dollars, equivalent to a sharp decrease of 37.8% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value dropped by 66%, averaging an annual decline of 30.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's fresh or chilled beef exports in value terms were distributed across numerous countries. Poland led with 17.4% of the total value, followed by the Netherlands at 15.9% and Sweden at 15.3%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 48.6% of Romania's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of fresh or chilled beef increased in 2020, reaching 5 751 tonnes. This represents a gain of 9.2% compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 27.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.0%, while the most notable decline was in 2019 at 1.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Poland, and Hungary were the primary sources for Romania's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume. Italy supplied 32.2% of imports, Poland 19.9%, and Hungary 13.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.6% of Romania's total import volume in this category.

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 imported fresh or chilled beef worth 26.682 million US dollars, a slight increase of 1.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 6.7%, averaging an annual increase of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 29.150 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 10.1% and the largest increase in 2018 at 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany continued to be the leading suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Romania in value terms. Italy accounted for 31.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.2%, and Germany for 13.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.1% of Romania's total import value in this sector.

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

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