Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for plastic tableware and kitchenware contracted significantly between 2018 and 2020, with market volume falling from 20 206 t to 13 480 t. This decline was primarily driven by growing consumer awareness of environmental and health risks, particularly concerns over toxic substances like DecaBDE in black plastic utensils, which reduced demand for conventional plastic products.

Following this contraction, import volumes stabilized around 10 000 t annually from 2021 onward, while export volumes recovered to pre-2019 levels. The delisting of producer Napochim from the Bucharest Stock Exchange in 2021 marked a period of consolidation, while established players like RomCarbon maintained their positions, supporting export activity despite subdued domestic consumption.

Throughout the period, regulatory influences such as the U.S. ban on DecaBDE indirectly shaped market standards. The industry adapted by increasing the availability of recycled and sustainable plastic tableware, reflecting evolving consumer preferences, though this shift did not reverse the overall market contraction observed earlier.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware production has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, output was valued at 20 968 thousand US dollars, down 26.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 49.7%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 20.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware production volume has decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 6 123 tonnes, reflecting a significant decline of 21.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 56.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 24.3%.

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

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have fallen for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country exported 3 309 tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 35.1% from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 58.5%, with an annualized rate of 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading destination for Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports in volume terms, accounting for 75.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller 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

Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 254 thousand US dollars, marking a sudden drop of 38.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 48.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 31 354 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports in value terms were Italy (67.8%), France (4.3%), and Germany (2.8%). Together, these three countries accounted for 74.9% 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 plastic tableware and kitchenware to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware in volume terms have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, the country imported 15 828 tonnes, representing an 18.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 828 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 38.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the three largest sources for Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports in volume terms were Turkey, Italy, and China. Together, they accounted for 55.8% 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

Romania's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware in value terms have decreased for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 44 009 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decline of 5.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 47 236 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports in value terms came from a diverse set of markets. Turkey (16.9%), Italy (15.4%), and Poland (11.2%) together accounted for 43.6% of total imports, while many smaller destinations made up the remaining 56.4%.

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

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