Iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market for iron or steel bridge structures in Romania expanded from 37 thsd t to 44 thsd t in physical volume. This growth coincided with the development of the local steel industry, where Liberty Galați, the largest integrated steel producer, was privatized and acquired by the British Liberty Steel group. The company's strategic modernization plans and investment in greener steelmaking technologies were aimed at increasing steel output, which supported the production base for bridge construction and contributed to market expansion.

Market volume contracted to 29 thsd t in 2020, reflecting a period of broader economic adjustment. A recovery to 36 thsd t was observed by 2023, supported by activity in the infrastructure sector, including the development of hybrid bridge structures for major projects like the Porțile de Fier II hydropower plant. Simultaneously, global inflationary pressures, rising costs for energy, transport, and key materials like rebar increased input prices, driving the market's value to 80.4 mln US dollars in 2023 despite a more moderate volume increase.

The industry also navigated significant external trade shifts, notably U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which redirected export flows to the European market and affected the profitability of Romanian steel producers like Liberty Galați. Throughout the period, the ongoing expansion of national road and rail infrastructure provided a consistent source of demand for bridge structures, helping to sustain the market.

Production iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the production value of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections reached 46 860 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 4.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 45 056 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 55 229 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, with an 18.4% decrease, whereas the largest rise took place in 2018, showing a 12.1% increase.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections continued to decline for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 21 165 tonnes, reflecting a substantial reduction of 11.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.7%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 5.5%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 26 257 tonnes, with the most notable increase also occurring that year at 4.6%.

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

Exports iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections from Romania

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's exports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections amounted to 1 278 tonnes, representing a sharp year-on-year increase of 69.1%. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 41.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 12.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 756 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 33.5% during the period.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Norway, and Germany were the primary destinations for Romania's exports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in volume terms. France accounted for 36.2% of exports, Norway for 11.3%, and Germany for 6.2%, collectively absorbing 53.7% of total export volumes.

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

The export market displayed an unstable trend over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections exports from Romania stood at 5 769 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt increase of 135.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 454 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 34.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Norway, and Germany remained the leading destinations in terms of export value for Romania's iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections. France held a 25.9% share, Norway 19.0%, and Germany 6.7%, together accounting for 51.6% 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 iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 20-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Romania's imports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections totaled 9 297 tonnes, marking a 55.2% reduction compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 766 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1 066.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Romania's imports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in volume terms were heavily dependent on Italy, which accounted for 96.3% of total imports.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports varied significantly, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2019, with a 15-fold difference. In 2020, Romania imported 18 440 thousand US dollars worth of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections, showing a decline of 38.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 29 815 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 288.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy dominated Romania's imports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in value terms, concentrating 86.1% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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