Insulating glass units market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the market volume for insulating glass units in Romania more than doubled, from 3.1 million m² to 6.3 million m². This expansion was primarily driven by stricter government and EU regulations on building energy efficiency, which mandated improved thermal insulation and increased demand for high-performance glazing. The introduction of new product segments, such as Low-E coated glass and gas-filled units, catered to growing consumer preference for sustainable solutions, while the entry of new players intensified competition and innovation.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market contracted to 5.2 million m² in 2023 and further to 3.9 million m² in 2024. This decline brought market volume back near 2019 levels, reflecting a market adjustment after the earlier rapid growth period.

Production insulating glass units in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's insulating glass unit production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 102.8 million US dollars, marking a modest 2.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 22.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m²

In 2020, Romania produced 3 323 thousand square meters of insulating glass units, a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 3 054 thousand square meters, then peaked in 2019 at 3 382 thousand square meters. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, falling by 9.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Exports insulating glass units from Romania

Exports in kind, K m²

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017, then surged to a maximum in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Romania amounted to 64.6 thousand square meters, representing a sharp contraction of 41.8% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 129.4 thousand square meters, with the largest increase that year at 106.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Germany were consistently the main destinations for Romania's insulating glass unit exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 20.9% of exports, France for 19.8%, and Germany for 17.9%, together making up 58.5% 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, K $ US

After rising for two years, Romania's insulating glass unit exports declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 7 434 thousand US dollars, a sharp drop of 38.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 29.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 048 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 59.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, Turkey, and France were the key partners for Romania's insulating glass unit exports in value terms. Italy represented 25.2% of exports, Turkey 17.2%, and France 16.6%, together accounting for 59.0% 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 insulating glass units to Romania

Imports in kind, K m²

Romania's insulating glass unit imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 470.5 thousand square meters, showing an intense rise of 98.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 234.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 49.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia, Hungary, and Bulgaria were the main sources for Romania's insulating glass unit imports in volume terms. Croatia accounted for 49.9% of imports, Hungary for 27.0%, and Bulgaria for 7.1%, together absorbing 84.0% 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, K $ US

Romania's insulating glass unit imports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 9 646 thousand US dollars, up by 14.0% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 72.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.9%.

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

In 2017-2020, Hungary, Croatia, and Turkey were the main markets for Romania's insulating glass unit imports in value terms. Hungary represented 36.2% of imports, Croatia 26.8%, and Turkey 8.2%, together accounting for 71.3% 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