Paper or paperboard labels market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Romanian paper and paperboard labels market was shaped by the growing interest in personalized labels and the adoption of digital printing technologies, which enabled local producers to offer customized solutions for retail, textiles, and packaging industries. The implementation of European food labeling regulations in 2020 created new demand for compliant labels, pushing manufacturers to adapt their production processes and materials to meet stricter requirements for origin indication and ecological standards.

Between 2021 and 2024, the market's physical volume expanded from 11 229 t to 17 227 t, with a particularly sharp rise in 2023. Domestic production grew significantly, reaching 13 346 t in 2024, supported by continued regulatory adjustments such as updated national rules for food labeling and specific norms for ecological products under EU Regulation 2018/848. The consolidation of local producers and increased demand for premium self-adhesive and cardboard labels with advanced finishes further contributed to market growth. By 2024, while the physical market volume stabilized, its value continued to rise, reaching 89,5 млн долл., reflecting a shift toward higher-value label products.

Production paper or paperboard labels in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports paper or paperboard labels from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's deliveries of paper or paperboard labels declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 847 tonnes, marking a 21.4% year-over-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 66.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 63.0%, while the peak was in 2018, with 13 226 tonnes. The biggest increase was also in 2018, at 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Germany, and Hungary were the top destinations for Romania's paper or paperboard label exports in volume terms. Bulgaria accounted for 52.4% of exports, Germany for 15.0%, and Hungary for 6.0%, together making up 73.5% of total 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 exported $29 252 thousand worth of paper or paperboard labels in 2020, up 4.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 2.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 23.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania traded paper or paperboard labels with numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—Germany, Hungary, and Italy—combined for only 43.4% 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 paper or paperboard labels to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania imported 9 143 tonnes of paper or paperboard labels, a 15.3% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -2.1%. The lowest volume was in 2019, at 7 933 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018, at 10 561 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 24.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and Hungary were the main sources for Romania's paper or paperboard label imports in volume terms. Germany contributed 31.1% of imports, Italy 12.3%, and Hungary 11.3%, together accounting for 54.6% of total 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 imports of paper or paperboard labels declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at $61 193 thousand, reflecting a 5.5% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 8.5%, with an annualized rate of -2.9%. The peak value was in 2018, at $69 544 thousand. The largest decline was in 2019, at 6.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France led Romania's paper or paperboard label imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 25.1% of imports, Italy for 20.8%, and France for 9.2%, together representing 55.1% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020