Not rendered poultry fat market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for not rendered poultry fat in Romania increased by over 70%, reaching 4 010 t. This growth was primarily driven by the expansion of domestic poultry production, which rose to 538 thousand tons of cut meat in 2018, and continued investments in processing facilities funded through European rural development programs. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behavior, boosting demand for poultry and thereby supporting the fat market.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume dropped to 3 389 t in 2021, coinciding with a sharp rise in raw material and energy prices that increased production costs. Despite major players like Transavia and Agricola International reporting revenue growth, fat output temporarily declined. The market recovered to 3 947 t in 2022 as Agricola exceeded 25 000 t in poultry sales, raising fat yield. In 2023, volume fell to 3 563 t due to a significant increase in fat exports to 802 t, reflecting the strengthened export orientation of Romanian vertically integrated companies. Legislative changes aimed at restructuring micro-enterprises also began impacting the sector.

In 2024, although market volume data is unavailable, the poultry sector remained one of the most performant in Romania's food industry, with 32 slaughterhouses approved for export. Companies continued investing in capacity modernization and quality certifications, though profitability was pressured by rising operational costs. Evolving legislative and technical regulations kept shaping production and marketing conditions.

Production not rendered poultry fat in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania was one of the world's leading producers of not rendered poultry fat, ranking 11th globally by production volume.

Top producers of not rendered poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of not rendered poultry fat, 2017-2020

In 2020, Romania produced 4 038 tonnes of not rendered poultry fat, marking an 8.7% decrease from 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 3 500 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 with 4 424 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, falling by 12.5%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 26.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Not rendered poultry fat production in Romania increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, with output valued at 1 490 thousand US dollars, up 4.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 19%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 342 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 27.1%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, rising by 6.7%.

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

Exports not rendered poultry fat from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 173 tonnes, a steep 75.1% drop from 2019, while the peak was in 2018 at 1 313 tonnes, resulting in a 7.6-fold difference between these years. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, up by 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria remained the primary market for exports in kind, accounting for 76.8% of total flows, with the remaining volume distributed among various other destinations.

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

Cross-border shipments of not rendered poultry fat from Romania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 63.9 thousand US dollars, a sharp 71.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 88%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -50.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Bulgaria led the export structure in value terms with 62.4%, followed by Spain at 12.3% and Hungary at 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 80.9% of total export flows.

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 rendered poultry fat to Romania

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018 at 157 tonnes, showing a 2.6-fold variation. In 2020, deliveries to Romania amounted to 146 tonnes, up 26.3% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 26.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 161.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Italy, and Hungary were the principal sources for imports in kind, with shares of 22.7%, 19.4%, and 16.8%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 58.9% 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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest value in 2017 and peaked in 2020 at 201.5 thousand US dollars, a 3.8-fold difference. In 2020, imported volumes were 28.0% higher than in 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, down by 13.0%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, rising by 237.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Spain, and Poland formed the main group of destinations for imports in value terms of not rendered poultry fat to Romania, with shares of 24.5%, 17.3%, and 15.1%, respectively. Combined, they represented 57.0% 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