Gypsum and anhydrite market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian gypsum and anhydrite market volume grew from 335 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 394 thousand tons in 2021, while its value increased even more sharply from $5.2 million to $7.9 million, signaling a period of expanding demand and rising prices. This upward trend was interrupted in 2022 and 2023 when market volume contracted, falling to 339 thousand tons in 2023.

The 2023 market volume decline coincided with significant increases in the cost of essential raw materials like isocyanates, which pressured manufacturers' supply chains and led to delays and suspended production plans for key downstream products such as sandwich panels. Despite the volume drop, the market's value rose to $8.8 million that year, reflecting these higher input costs.

A robust recovery occurred in 2024, with market volume rebounding by 13% to 384 thousand tons and value reaching $10.3 million. This resurgence was underpinned by a major €88 million investment from the Knauf group to build Europe's largest gypsum production plant in Romania, significantly expanding domestic capacity. Concurrently, government renovation programs and growing demand for premium, energy-efficient building materials under nZEB standards provided sustained stimulus for the market.

Production gypsum and anhydrite in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's gypsum and anhydrite production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 4 169 thousand US dollars, representing a 13.9% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 42.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Romania's gypsum and anhydrite production volume declined slightly. In 2020, production reached 273.6 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 0.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production increased by 16.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 276.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.6%.

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

Exports gypsum and anhydrite from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for gypsum and anhydrite showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 27-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Romania fell sharply to 0.0 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic 56.6% decrease compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 618.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Bulgaria, and Slovenia were the key export partners for Romania's gypsum and anhydrite shipments. Germany accounted for 50.1% of exports in volume, Bulgaria for 20.7%, and Slovenia for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 83.1% of Romania's total export flows during this period.

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

Export values showed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a 17-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania's gypsum and anhydrite exports amounted to 7 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 42.7% decrease year-over-year. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 12 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 437.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Bulgaria, and Slovenia remained the primary destinations for Romania's gypsum and anhydrite exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.2% of export value, Bulgaria for 26.1%, and Slovenia for 8.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 76.6% of Romania's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports gypsum and anhydrite to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

Romania's gypsum and anhydrite imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 113.8 thousand tonnes, up by 20.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 80.5%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 21.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria and Greece were the main suppliers of gypsum and anhydrite to Romania, together accounting for 83.4% of total imports in volume. The remaining imports were distributed among various other countries.

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

Romania's gypsum and anhydrite imports have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 2 682 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 33.8% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 111%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 28.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria and Greece dominated Romania's gypsum and anhydrite imports in value terms, while other markets played a smaller role.

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

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