Not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

After a decline to 63 407 t in 2019, the market for non-reinforced polyethylene sheets in Romania rebounded to 83 798 t in 2020. This recovery coincided with the diversification of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into new segments such as furniture and clothing, broadening its applications beyond traditional bags and nets. Concurrently, rising concerns over microplastic pollution from agricultural films and packaging began influencing market sentiment towards more sustainable materials.

Market expansion continued, reaching 115 571 t by 2023. A key driver was the strategic move by major producer TeraPlast, which secured state aid for a new stretch film plant and consolidated its polyethylene film production in Sighișoara in 2021, increasing domestic capacity. Furthermore, industry data in 2023 highlighted the higher recovery value of monomaterial polyethylene packaging, encouraging its use as an efficient way to reduce climate impact and meet evolving packaging regulations.

In 2024, market volume adjusted to 105 356 t, with value easing to $196.9 million. This contraction occurred alongside a major investment in Romania to produce specialty paper intended to replace plastic in European retail, signaling a shift in consumer preferences and regulatory pressure. Ongoing environmental scrutiny over microplastics continued to shape the legislative landscape for polyethylene use in packaging and agriculture.

Production not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, Romania's output of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets reached its peak at 97 021 K $ US. The following year, in 2019, production dropped to its lowest point of 77 454 K $ US, marking a significant decline of 20.2%. In 2020, production recovered slightly to 82 978 K $ US, representing a modest increase of 7.1% compared to 2019. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth rate of 15.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in physical terms reached 63 239 t in 2020, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 28.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 32.1%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when production fell by 11.6%.

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

Exports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in physical terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 28 349 t, with the largest annual increase of 13.8% recorded that year. The following year, in 2019, exports dropped by 10.1%. In 2020, exports amounted to 24 464 t, representing a modest decrease of 4.1% compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in physical terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. Germany accounted for 19.6% of exports, Greece for 18.9%, and Bulgaria for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.6% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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, M $ US

Romania's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 54.5 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 14.1% recorded that year. The following year, in 2019, exports fell by 15.9%. In 2020, exports stood at 43.7 M $ US, marking a decrease of 4.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Romania's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in value terms was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 21.2% of exports, Greece for 15.5%, and Austria for 9.7%. Combined, these three countries represented only 46.5% of total export flows, while the remaining 53.5% 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 not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in physical terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 45 024 t, showing a gain of 13.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 30.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in physical terms were characterised by a broad spread across markets. Poland accounted for 20.7% of imports, Germany for 14.3%, and Turkey for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.1% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Romania imported 99.3 M $ US worth of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets, marking a year-over-year increase of 7.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. In 2018, imports peaked at 101.4 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 15.3% recorded that year. The following year, in 2019, imports declined by 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in value terms were characterised by a broad spread across markets. Germany accounted for 18.6% of imports, Poland for 14.0%, and Turkey for 10.2%. Combined, these three countries represented only 42.8% 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