Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat began the period at 16,021 tons in 2018. African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks significantly reduced domestic pig production, leading to increased imports from Germany and Poland to supply the market. Concurrently, shifting consumer preferences toward leaner pork products supported demand, contributing to market growth that reached 18,937 tons by 2020.

In 2021, market volume temporarily declined to 17,636 tons, coinciding with persistent ASF-related restrictions and rising production costs for feed and energy. By 2022, the sector experienced consolidation as foreign investors took over affected local farms, and ongoing imports, alongside this structural shift, helped drive a sharp recovery to 20,830 tons. Strict transport regulations to prevent ASF spread remained a key feature of the operating environment.

Market expansion continued through 2023 and 2024, with volume rising to 23,830 tons and then 25,088 tons, reflecting sustained demand in the absence of specific reported market events for these later years.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the production value of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat reached 4 355 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a significant increase of 30.8% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 104.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 26.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.9%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, at 57.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

Romania produced 2 211 tonnes of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in 2020, showing a notable uptick of 35.8% compared to 2019. Over the span from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 70.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 19.5%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 0.0%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Romania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 177 tonnes, reflecting a sharp reduction of 34.5% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 91.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -55.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Poland, and Belgium formed the key group of partners for Romania's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in kind. China accounted for 17.7% of exports, Poland for 17.4%, and Belgium for 17.4%, jointly representing 52.5% 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

The value of exported non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Romania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Romania exported 323 thousand US dollars of this product, showing a modest reduction of 3.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 74.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Romania's exports in value terms was highly diversified. China accounted for 17.3% of exports, Belgium for 15.5%, and Hungary for 12.9%, together making up only 45.7% of total flows. The remaining 54.3% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat into Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 16 904 tonnes, marking a moderate advance of 8.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 33.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 10.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany, Hungary, and Italy remained the principal suppliers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Romania in kind. Germany contributed 24.5% of imports, Hungary 18.9%, and Italy 15.2%, jointly accounting for 58.6% 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

After two years of gains, imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat into Romania declined. In 2020, imports totalled 18 511 thousand US dollars, representing a limited drop of 5.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 85.6%, equating to an average annual rate of 22.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 657 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 60.1%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Germany, Hungary, and Italy consistently occupied leading positions in Romania's import structure in value terms. Germany accounted for 25.2% of imports, Hungary for 23.4%, and Italy for 15.1%, jointly representing 63.7% 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