Knotted carpets and textile floor coverings market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for knotted carpets and textile floor coverings in Romania expanded from 468 thousand m² to 604 thousand m². This growth coincided with the entry of a new domestic player, Covoare Ungheni, which began actively promoting its products and opening stores in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Brașov, increasing market availability. The period was also characterized by a market structure heavily reliant on imports, particularly from Turkey and Belgium, following the earlier disappearance of major local carpet factories.

After reaching 677 thousand m² in 2021, the market volume contracted over the next two years, stabilizing around 620 thousand m² by 2023. The textile industry, including carpet production, faced pressure in 2021 due to low wages and reduced competitiveness, which posed risks to factory operations and may have influenced production dynamics during this phase of adjustment.

In 2024, the market surged to 758 thousand m², marking a significant recovery. This rebound was supported by a renewed interest in carpets within interior design trends, with growing consumer preference for ecological and sustainable materials. Simultaneously, Covoare Ungheni strengthened its market presence by expanding its retail network, enhancing product accessibility and stimulating demand.

Production knotted carpets and textile floor coverings in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings was valued at 5 096 K $ US, marking a measured improvement of 5.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 23%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m²

In 2020, Romania produced 539.6 K m² of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings, showing a modest increase of 5.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 33.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

Exports knotted carpets and textile floor coverings from Romania

Exports in kind, K m²

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From 2017 to 2019, exports showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 26 times. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 0.1 K m², but in 2020, they increased to 0.5 K m², representing a rise of 357.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 87.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary and the United States were the dominant buyers of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings from Romania, together accounting for 85.5% of total exports in kind. Other partners played a less significant role 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

After a two-year decline, exports of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings from Romania increased. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 9 K $ US, with the largest decline of 64.6% recorded that year. However, in 2020, exports rose to 14 K $ US, constituting a 42.4% increase compared to the previous year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 67.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 31.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Estonia, the United States, and the United Kingdom—together accounted for 76.8% of the total export value of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings from Romania.

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

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

Imports knotted carpets and textile floor coverings to Romania

Imports in kind, K m²

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, showing a 4.5-fold fluctuation. In 2018, the minimum value was recorded at 41.6 K m², with the largest decline of 77.9% occurring that year. By 2020, imports increased to 65.2 K m², reflecting a gain of 29.3% compared to the previous year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Hungary (31.7% of imports in kind), Sweden (24.7% of imports in kind), and Turkey (9.6% of imports in kind) consistently held leading positions in Romania's import structure for knotted carpets and textile floor coverings. Together, they accounted for 66.0% of total import flows in kind.

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 imports of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 1 773 K $ US, up by 70.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 199.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 44.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (41.9% of imports in value terms), Bulgaria (9.9% of imports in value terms), and Italy (8.7% of imports in value terms) were the main suppliers of knotted carpets and textile floor coverings to Romania. Together, they comprised 60.6% 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