Paper apparel and accessories market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper apparel and accessories in Romania saw steady growth from 2018 to 2021, with volume exceeding 2,200 tons by 2021. This expansion was initially supported during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as budget-conscious consumers increased demand for private label products in the paper and textiles category. Concurrently, the European Union began debating sustainable textile consumption regulations, focusing on reducing waste and banning the destruction of unsold items from 2026, which signaled future shifts in industry practices.

Market growth continued in 2021 amid a highly competitive landscape for paper products, where price remained a key purchase driver and segments like tissues expanded. However, economic headwinds emerged, including supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, alongside rising fuel prices and inflation, which affected the paper recycling industry and broader market conditions. By 2022, a sharp decline in volume to 1,768 tons occurred, primarily driven by soaring costs for raw materials, energy, and transport that raised production expenses for local manufacturers like Vrancart and DS Smith Paper Zărnești.

The market stabilized in 2023 with a slight recovery to 1,797 tons, influenced by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes. The entry of new retailers such as Primark with traditional business strategies and the sustained growth of e-commerce in fashion altered distribution channels and buying habits. Additionally, Romanian consumers showed increased interest in sustainable and ethical consumption, while the EU Parliament's approval of extended producer responsibility rules for textile waste management aligned the domestic market with broader circular economy objectives.

Production paper apparel and accessories in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's production of paper apparel and accessories was valued at 13 676 thousand US dollars, marking a robust increase of 15.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when output fell by 5.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year decline, Romania's production volume of paper apparel and accessories rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 1 686 tonnes, representing a moderate increase of 9.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 5.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 540 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 12.5% decrease.

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

Exports paper apparel and accessories from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Import levels fluctuated dramatically, with a 9.2-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Romania exported 1.3 tonnes of paper apparel and accessories, which represents a 31.4% increase compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.0 tonne, with the largest decline that year reaching 70.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria remained the dominant export destination in volume terms, accounting for 84.4% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets.

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 market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. There was a four-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. In 2020, Romania's exports of paper apparel and accessories reached 25 thousand US dollars, which is 303.3% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 48.8% drop.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Bulgaria, Italy, and Czechia were the main markets for Romania's paper apparel and accessories exports in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 49.4% of exports, Italy for 30.3%, and Czechia for 4.9%. Together, these three countries represented 84.6% 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 paper apparel and accessories to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After increasing for two consecutive years, Romania's import volume of paper apparel and accessories declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 296.6 tonnes, down by 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 29.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 314.4 tonnes, with the largest increase that year reaching 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Poland, and Germany were the leading sources for Romania's imports of paper apparel and accessories in volume terms. Austria accounted for 37.6% of imports, Poland for 33.6%, and Germany for 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 83.9% 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

Romania's import value of paper apparel and accessories increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 932 thousand US dollars, showing a year-over-year increase of 21.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 260.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 53.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Poland, Austria, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Romania's imports of paper apparel and accessories in value terms. Poland accounted for 63.8% of imports, Austria for 14.2%, and Germany for 7.0%. Together, these three countries represented 84.9% 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