Lard and poultry fats market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lard and poultry fats in Romania contracted from 146.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 123.2 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by increasing costs for feed and energy, which raised production expenses, and by drought conditions that reduced feed availability across the EU. Additionally, the swine herd shrank by over 10% in 2023, directly cutting the output of lard.

Geopolitical tensions from the Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated feed price pressures in 2022, while EU-wide measures aimed at shielding the single market further influenced local production dynamics. Although poultry meat consumption grew steadily, this did not offset the reduction in pork production, which traditionally supplies a larger share of animal fats. Investments in modernizing pig farms, supported by EU funds, may have altered industry structure but did not reverse the overall market volume downturn.

By 2024, leading swine companies reported higher revenues, indicating market consolidation, even as the number of meat-processing firms declined. These structural shifts, coupled with a sustained European preference for white meat, formed the broader context for Romania's animal fats market during the period.

Production lard and poultry fats in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Romania ranked as the 10th largest producer of lard and poultry fats from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

Romania's production of lard and poultry fats declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 130.2 thousand tons, which was 0.7% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14%, averaging an annual decrease of 4.9%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from Romania

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania exported 2 611 tons of lard and poultry fats, representing a 57.4% increase compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall exports decreased by 11.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 659 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 3 109 tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 46.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia was the dominant partner for Romania's exports of lard and poultry fats in volume terms, accounting for 75.1% of total flows. Other markets played a relatively minor 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

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The highest export value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.3 times. In 2020, Romania's exports of lard and poultry fats amounted to 981 thousand US dollars, which was 103.2% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was 483 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest decline that year was 68.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Slovakia dominated Romania's export partner structure in value terms, holding a 70.7% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively modest amounts.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania imported 1 079 tons of lard and poultry fats, marking a 136.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 405.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 71.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, though it was minimal.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary was the key supplier of lard and poultry fats to Romania in volume terms, accounting for 77.1% of total imports. The remainder came from a diverse group of other countries.

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 lard and poultry fats increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 060 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 41.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 156.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 36.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Hungary and Italy together accounted for 87.2% of Romania's total import value for lard and poultry fats. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller contributions.

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

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