Phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates and polyphosphates market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates and polyphosphates in Romania, measured in physical terms, contracted consistently from 19 545 t in 2020 to 15 459 t in 2023. In value terms, however, the market exhibited volatility: it grew from 12.9 million USD in 2020 to 24.2 million USD in 2022, then fell back to 16.2 million USD in 2023.

This divergence between volume and value was primarily driven by import trends. Import volumes declined from a peak of 22 418 t in 2019 to 15 633 t in 2023, but their cost surged, reaching 24.6 million USD in 2022. The simultaneous rise in export volumes, albeit from a low base, further reduced net available supply.

Domestic production remained negligible throughout the period, at just a few tonnes per year, confirming the market's heavy reliance on imported materials. The sharp price increase observed in 2022, which boosted the market's value, was followed by a notable correction the following year.

Production phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates and polyphosphates in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

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

Exports phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates and polyphosphates from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates have been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 52 tons, marking an 80.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 96.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 66.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Spain, the United States, and Moldova—collectively accounted for 51.2% of Romania's total exports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates in volume terms.

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 performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports varied widely, with a 33-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, the value of these exports from Romania was 120 thousand US dollars, representing an 84.8% drop from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 914 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 9.4% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, the United States, and Colombia led as the top buyers of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates from Romania in value terms. Spain accounted for 34.6% of exports, the United States for 20.3%, and Colombia for 12.5%, with their combined share reaching 67.4% 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 phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates and polyphosphates to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates amounted to 19 594 tons, reflecting a notable 12.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.0%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Hungary, and Russia were the primary sources for Romania's imports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates in volume terms. Serbia contributed 36.2% of imports, Hungary 19.8%, and Russia 10.9%, together making up 66.8% of total import volumes.

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

After two years of growth, Romania's imports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates declined. In 2020, imports reached 12 992 thousand US dollars, which is 13.3% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 979 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 8.0% occurring in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, Serbia, Hungary, and Germany consistently ranked as the main sources for Romania's imports of phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates in value terms. Serbia accounted for 26.9% of imports, Hungary for 16.9%, and Germany for 9.9%, with their combined share totaling 53.6% of total import value.

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

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