Organic solvents and paint removers market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Romanian market for organic solvents and paint removers expanded from 20 892 t to 24 783 t in volume. This growth occurred alongside the transposition of the EU Directive limiting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions into national law, which set strict VOC content limits for paints and varnishes. The regulation spurred a shift toward low-VOC products, boosting demand, while domestic manufacturers like Sarcom strengthened their market presence.

After 2020, import volumes remained elevated, peaking at 33 366 t in 2023 before declining to 20 423 t in 2024. The market saw notable consolidation, including the acquisition of producer Sarcom by ROCA Investments in 2021. Investments in logistics and production infrastructure, such as those by Köber, enhanced local capabilities. Simultaneously, tightened enforcement of VOC limits by the Environmental Guard and new labeling rules for hazardous mixtures continued to shape the market environment.

By 2024, an increase in the number of active firms indicated an expanding market, though domestic production covered only a portion of demand. Legislative updates, including the introduction of digital labels and a reform of state-owned companies, set the stage for further market evolution toward greater environmental compliance and transparency.

Production organic solvents and paint removers in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the production value of organic solvents and paint removers reached 8 988 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 22.1%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 7 360 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 16.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production volume of organic solvents and paint removers increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 6 104 tonnes, representing a 20.8% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 574 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.2%.

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

Exports organic solvents and paint removers from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's export volume of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 737 tonnes, which is 31.7% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 44%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three largest markets for Romania's exports in kind were Bulgaria, Moldova, and Poland. Together, these countries accounted for 89.5% 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

Romania's export value of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 392 thousand US dollars, showing a robust year-over-year decrease of 15.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 8.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 872 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 22.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of organic solvents and paint removers from Romania in value terms were Bulgaria, accounting for 40.6% of exports, Moldova at 32.0%, and Hungary at 4.4%. Together, these three markets represented 77.0% of total 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 organic solvents and paint removers to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Romania's import volume of organic solvents and paint removers declined. In 2020, imports totaled 19 451 tonnes, showing little to no change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 23.9%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 451 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.4%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the main sources for Romania's imports in kind were Germany, with 18.8% of imports, Slovakia at 18.4%, and Hungary at 14.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 51.8% 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

Following a two-year increase, Romania's import value of organic solvents and paint removers declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 31 997 thousand US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 2.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 32 789 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase happened in 2018 at 20.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the key markets for Romania's imports in value terms were Germany, representing 22.7% of imports, Italy at 20.7%, and Hungary at 10.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 53.9% 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