Frozen pork market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian frozen pork market from 2018 to 2021 was fundamentally shaped by the outbreak and persistent spread of African swine fever (ASF). The first cases in 2018 severely impacted local producers, reducing the availability of domestic pork and triggering a surge in imports to meet demand. By 2019, the number of swine farms had fallen by 15%, and herd sizes contracted, further eroding domestic production capacity. This trend continued into 2020 and 2021, with ASF causing unprecedented financial pressure on farmers due to rising operational costs and the removal of tax facilities. Consequently, Romania's reliance on imported frozen pork deepened, with imports covering over 80% of the country's needs by 2021 to offset the steep decline in homegrown supply.

Regulatory changes introduced in 2022 required stricter labeling for frozen and thawed pork products, altering retail presentation. Concurrently, supply sources began to shift, with record imports of frozen pork from Chile signaling a diversification away from traditional European suppliers. In the following years, import volumes remained at elevated levels, reaching 144.4 thousand tons in 2023 before a slight moderation to 140.4 thousand tons in 2024, reflecting the market's ongoing structural dependence on foreign supply amidst a weakened domestic production sector.

Production frozen pork in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's frozen pork production was valued at 5 526 thousand US dollars, marking an 18.8% decrease from 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania produced 2 491 tonnes of frozen pork in 2020, representing a sharp 41.5% decline compared to the previous year.

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

Exports frozen pork from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's frozen pork exports fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 3.3 thousand tonnes, a steep 39.5% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 79.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -41.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Romania's frozen pork exports in volume terms were China (28.4% of exports), Bulgaria (13.5%), and Belgium (10.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 52.2% of total export 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, M $ US

Romania's frozen pork export value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 2.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 56.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 89.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -52.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's frozen pork export value was distributed across a wide range of partner countries. China (29.6% of export value), Bulgaria (12.9%), and Belgium (6.5%) together accounted for 49.1% 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 frozen pork to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Romania's frozen pork imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 129.3 thousand tonnes, down 14.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 129.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 12.8% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (23.0% of import volume), Hungary (15.8%), and Spain (15.7%) were the main sources of frozen pork imports to Romania, together representing 54.4% 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, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Romania's frozen pork import value dropped. In 2020, imports amounted to 245.9 million US dollars, a significant 12.1% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 15.8% also occurring in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (21.5% of import value), Spain (18.8%), and Hungary (16.1%) led as the top suppliers of frozen pork to Romania, with their combined share reaching 56.4% 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