Margarine market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the margarine market in Romania was shaped by tightening trans fat regulations. Preparation for new rules in 2018–2019 led to a decline in domestic production and an increase in imports. The law adopted in 2020, which limited trans fats to 2 grams per 100 grams of fat and came into force in April 2021, required manufacturers to reformulate recipes. This temporarily reduced supply, contributing to a drop in market volume to 36 981 tonnes in 2020. After adapting to the new requirements, the market recovered to 41 913 tonnes in 2021.

In 2022, the market was affected by inflation and price increases, which altered consumer behavior and boosted demand for smaller packaging. Simultaneously, regulatory inspections found non‑compliant batches contaminated with 3‑MCPD and its esters, leading to the destruction of margarine and a reduction in imports. As a result, market volume fell to 37 758 tonnes. In the following years the market stabilized: volume rose to 39 397 tonnes in 2023 and reached 38 202 tonnes in 2024.

Production margarine in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's margarine production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 32 839 thousand US dollars, marking a 13.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 50.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 20.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's margarine production volume dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 28 491 tonnes of margarine, down 19.8% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 55.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.8%.

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

Exports margarine from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's margarine export volume fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 4 666 tonnes of margarine, a sharp decline of 27.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 81.9%, with a CAGR of -43.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of Romanian margarine in volume terms were Hungary (38.2% of exports), Bulgaria (21.0%), and Greece (8.5%). Together, these three countries accounted for 67.8% of total exports.

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 margarine export value declined for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 537 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong decrease of 19.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 80.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -42.0%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, three key markets—Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece—collectively absorbed 63.9% of Romania's total margarine 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 margarine to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania imported 13 156 tonnes of margarine, which was 21.5% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 29.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 884 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 16 758 tonnes. The largest year-over-year increase was in 2019, at 69.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal sources of margarine imports to Romania in volume terms were Poland (31.7% of imports), Hungary (30.9%), and Bulgaria (11.6%). Together, these countries represented 74.2% 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

Margarine import values showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, Romania imported 12 621 thousand US dollars worth of margarine, a decrease of 23.9% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 530 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 16 587 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 74.0%, resulting in a 1.7-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the peak in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for Romania's margarine imports in value terms were Hungary (35.8% of imports), Poland (26.9%), and Bulgaria (10.4%). This cluster accounted for 73.2% 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