Gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment including table tennis equipment, swimming pools and paddling pools market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The sports equipment market in Romania grew from USD 96.5 million in 2018 to USD 101.6 million in 2019, driven by rising consumer interest in healthy lifestyles and sports, supported by the expansion of major retailers like Decathlon and Adidas, and state incentives such as customs and VAT exemptions for equipment imports by sports institutions. In 2020, the pandemic caused a slight contraction to USD 98.5 million as events were restricted, but the market adapted through new hygiene and safety protocols for sporting activities.

After 2020, demand shifted toward outdoor and fitness equipment, aiding recovery. From 2022, a major boost came from the National Investment Company's infrastructure program, which delivered hundreds of sports halls, complexes, and swimming pools, stimulating demand for related equipment. By 2023, the market reached USD 95.6 million, with the number of specialized market players doubling over the prior three to four years, reinforced by the growing dominance of international retail chains.

In 2024, the market expanded to USD 104.3 million, fueled by ongoing infrastructure investments exceeding EUR 1 billion and the launch of new local production facilities such as Amer Sports' automated factory in Oradea. Legislative changes allowing equipment purchases for sports institutions, the emergence of Romanian brands, and growing consumer preference for personalized and premium products further supported growth.

Production sports and outdoor games equipment in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the production of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—including table tennis gear, swimming pools, and paddling pools—was valued at 44 955 thousand US dollars in 2020. This marked a sharp decline of 32.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 28.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 66 780 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.3%.

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

Exports sports and outdoor games equipment from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—such as table tennis items, swimming pools, and paddling pools—declined after two years of growth. In 2020, exports totaled 5 150 tonnes, down 21.8% year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 585 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual rise of 22.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Bulgaria, and Hungary were the top markets for Romania's exports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment, including table tennis gear, swimming pools, and paddling pools. Austria accounted for 42.3% of exports in kind, Bulgaria for 13.5%, and Hungary for 11.2%. Together, these three countries made up 67.0% 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 exports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—covering items like table tennis equipment, swimming pools, and paddling pools—fell after a two-year upward trend. In 2020, exports reached 59.7 million US dollars, a drop of 16.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 71.0 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 25.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria dominated Romania's exports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—including table tennis gear, swimming pools, and paddling pools—in value terms. Austria led with 68.1% of export value, followed by Hungary at 8.9% and Bulgaria at 7.1%. Collectively, these three markets absorbed 84.1% 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 sports and outdoor games equipment to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—such as table tennis items, swimming pools, and paddling pools—rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 836 tonnes, up 16.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 60.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Spain were the main sources for Romania's imports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment, including table tennis gear, swimming pools, and paddling pools. China contributed 42.5% of imports in kind, France 13.6%, and Spain 6.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.0% of total import flows.

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

Romania's imports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—covering products like table tennis equipment, swimming pools, and paddling pools—grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 113.2 million US dollars, a 7.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 55.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's imports of gymnastics, athletics, sports and outdoor games equipment—including table tennis items, swimming pools, and paddling pools—in value terms came from a diverse range of partners. China led with 22.7% of import value, followed by France at 16.7% and Italy at 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 47.5% 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