Kraft paper and paperboard market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for kraft paper and paperboard in Romania expanded from 73.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 130.3 thousand tons in 2024, largely supported by rising imports. This growth was primarily driven by new European Union environmental regulations that phased out polluting packaging, which attracted new investors and significantly increased demand for paper-based packaging solutions. The trend continued with heightened interest in eco-friendly packaging and complete packaging systems, especially within the e-commerce sector.

Domestic production experienced volatility, declining in 2020 before recovering to 6.0 thousand tons by 2024. The local industry faced sustained pressure from high energy costs, which comprised up to 30% of total production expenses, and from massive exports of waste paper that reduced the availability of essential recycled raw material. In a significant market development, a major investment was announced in 2024 to establish the first eco-friendly kraft paper mill in Giurgiu, with a projected annual capacity of 120,000 tons, aimed at replacing plastic bags in retail.

Consumer preferences shifted towards specific paper products like wet wipes and tissues, with price remaining a decisive purchase factor. Further market evolution was shaped by new EU and Romanian regulations on recyclable packaging, which set strict material standards and ambitious recycling targets, directly affecting producers and distributors. The period also saw the entry of new investors into the paper packaging market, leading to the development of additional production facilities.

Production kraft paper and paperboard in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's kraft paper and paperboard output was valued at 1 239 thousand US dollars, showing only a slight change from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production fell by 52.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 22.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 2 232 tonnes of kraft paper and paperboard, remaining nearly unchanged compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production dropped by 49.5%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 20.4%.

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

Exports kraft paper and paperboard from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Kraft paper and paperboard exports from Romania fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1 035 tonnes, marking a moderate decline of 5.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for Romania's kraft paper and paperboard exports in volume were Turkey, accounting for 56.7% of exports, Italy with 12.2%, and Germany at 10.9%. Together, these three countries made up 79.8% 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

Romania's kraft paper and paperboard export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 947 thousand US dollars, down 7.2% from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 2 142 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 11.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Germany remained the primary markets for Romania's kraft paper and paperboard exports in value terms. Turkey held 58.2% of exports, Italy 12.6%, and Germany 11.6%, collectively representing 82.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports kraft paper and paperboard to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year increase, Romania's kraft paper and paperboard imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 82 460 tonnes, a 6.0% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 21.6%, averaging an annualized growth of 6.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 87 709 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Austria, and Sweden were the main suppliers of kraft paper and paperboard to Romania in volume terms. Russia accounted for 34.8% of imports, Austria for 25.8%, and Sweden for 10.9%, together making up 71.5% of total import volume.

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

After a two-year rise, kraft paper and paperboard imports to Romania decreased. In 2020, imports totaled 63 220 thousand US dollars, falling by 12.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 18.9%, with an annualized rate of 5.9%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 72 284 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 20.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, Austria, and Sweden continued to be the key sources for Romania's kraft paper and paperboard imports in value terms. Russia represented 30.3% of imports, Austria 24.0%, and Sweden 13.6%, jointly accounting for 67.9% of total import value.

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

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