Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the Romanian market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates expanded consistently, with volume growing from 20 518 t to 38 463 t. This upward trend was particularly strong in 2021, when market size jumped by over 27%. During this period, major local producers like TeraPlast and RomCarbon reported significant revenues, indicating robust industry activity. The market growth was also supported by capacity expansions, such as INATECH Packaging's investment in new production and storage facilities announced in 2022.

The market's growth momentum slowed in 2022, with volume increasing by less than 5%. This coincided with the introduction of the anti-plastic ordinance, which transposed EU rules banning certain single-use plastic items, including some food containers. Simultaneously, consumer preferences began shifting, as sales of cardboard and paper packaging surpassed plastic packaging for the first time in Romania. These regulatory and preference changes started reshaping the competitive landscape, though total plastic box consumption still edged higher.

After a contraction to 30 204 t in 2023, the market rebounded sharply in 2024, reaching 43 557 t. This recovery occurred as producers worked to comply with extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules mandated by the same anti-plastic ordinance, which required full implementation by the end of 2024. The need to adapt packaging and reporting systems likely influenced market dynamics during this phase of regulatory adjustment.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 28 372 K $ US, marking a 1.0% rise compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 013 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 9.6%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 47.8% jump. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 35%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 14 531 t were produced, showing a strong rise of 23.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 290 t, which experienced the largest decline of 11.2%. Meanwhile, the largest increase was in 2019 with a 42.3% surge. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 55.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 15.9%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 7 493 t, reflecting a solid increase of 17.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 121.8%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 30.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Germany, and Moldova were the key partners for Romania's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in kind. Turkey accounted for 25.8% of exports, Germany for 22.7%, and Moldova for 14.8%. Together, these three countries represented 63.4% 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 exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 24 343 K $ US, which is 10.9% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 136.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 33.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Germany, and Moldova were the main buyers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates from Romania in value terms. Turkey represented 23.3% of exports, Germany 20.9%, and Moldova 12.4%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 56.6% 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 plastic boxes, cases and crates to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 21 793 t, up by 6.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 40.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for Romania's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in kind was quite broad. Turkey accounted for 18.7% of imports, Germany for 18.1%, and Hungary for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.7% 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 imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 80 461 K $ US, showing an advance of 9.3% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 47.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports in value terms of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to Romania were spread relatively evenly. Germany accounted for 24.6% of imports, Turkey for 14.2%, and Hungary for 10.3%. Jointly, these three countries represented only 49.1% 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