Insecticides and disease control agents market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Romanian insecticides market volume expanded from 7 564 t to 7 969 t. This growth was primarily driven by warmer winters and wetter springs, which accelerated pest development and increased demand for crop protection products. Additionally, authorities continued to grant emergency approvals for neonicotinoid pesticides banned in the EU, maintaining farmers' access to effective insecticides and supporting market volume.

Market volume reached 9 573 t in 2020, then fell to 7 264 t in 2021. During these years, regulatory developments included the EU's push for public-funded pest forecasting systems and the implementation of stricter toxicological evaluation requirements under Regulation (EC) 1107/2009. Despite heat waves and emergency authorizations for banned neonicotinoids in 2021, which typically would boost demand, the market experienced a notable contraction.

From 2022 onward, import volumes rose steadily, peaking at 12 889 t in 2023 before easing to 12 212 t in 2024. This trend coincided with repeated emergency renewals for neonicotinoid insecticides in corn and sunflower crops, underscoring a national policy of derogation from EU norms. The period also saw the emergence of a new biological segment based on Bacillus thuringiensis, while packaging innovations such as ADAMA's 1 L container launch in early 2024 reflected ongoing commercial adaptations.

Production insecticides and disease control agents in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Import levels fluctuated substantially, with a 4-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low point in 2017. In Romania, the output value of insecticides and disease control agents reached 2 237 K $ US in 2020, representing a 7.6% decrease compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 517 K $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 56.1%, while the largest increase was observed in 2018, surging by 302.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Production volumes peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania produced 35.0 t of insecticides and disease control agents, marking a sharp year-over-year decline of 50.6%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 103.9 t, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 292.6%.

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

Exports insecticides and disease control agents from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of insecticides and disease control agents from Romania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 939 t, representing a 26.8% year-over-year growth. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 116.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 29.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Bulgaria accounted for 19.4% of exports, Moldova for 15.8%, and Italy for 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 46.6% of total flows, while the remaining 53.4% was distributed among numerous smaller trading 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

Exports of insecticides and disease control agents from Romania have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 47.3 M $ US, showing a sharp increase of 28.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 170.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 39.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, exports in value terms were not concentrated on a few key markets. Moldova accounted for 21.2% of exports, Poland for 11.7%, and Bulgaria for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 44.5% of total 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 insecticides and disease control agents to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Imports of insecticides and disease control agents into Romania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 11 477 t, up by 21.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 71.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, the Netherlands, and France remained the main sources for imports in kind of insecticides and disease control agents into Romania. Turkey accounted for 25.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 15.8%, and France for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 53.7% 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

In 2020, Romania's import value of insecticides and disease control agents amounted to 112.6 M $ US, marking an uptick of 28.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 47.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium were the largest suppliers of insecticides and disease control agents to Romania in value terms. France accounted for 30.6% of imports, Germany for 12.2%, and Belgium for 9.5%. Together, these three countries formed 52.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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