Polyester-based paints and varnishes market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes into Romania measured in physical terms grew steadily from 7 606 t in 2018 to 26 659 t in 2021. During 2020, international price developments for raw materials and finished goods influenced trade flows and market valuations. Simultaneously, increasing recognition of the textile industry's significant environmental footprint, particularly water pollution from dyeing processes, began to apply pressure for more sustainable coating solutions and stricter regulations.

Following the 2021 peak, import volumes in tonnes contracted sharply to 10 436 t in 2022 and 7 044 t in 2023. In contrast, the import value remained relatively stable, between 39 and 45 million USD annually, indicating a notable increase in average unit prices and a market shift towards higher-value products. Correspondingly, the total market volume shrank from 38 471 t in 2021 to 18 604 t in 2023, while its total value slightly increased from 83.6 to 86.0 million USD over the same period.

In 2024, import volume showed a partial recovery to 9 252 t. The market environment is being shaped by several new European Union regulations coming into force. These include the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which sets rules for durability and recyclability, a ban on unsubstantiated generic environmental claims affecting product labeling, and the promotion of the EU Ecolabel for paints and varnishes, certifying reduced environmental and health impact.

Production polyester-based paints and varnishes 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 polyester-based paints and varnishes from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of polyester-based paints and varnishes have been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country exported 201 tons, marking a sharp 25.5% drop compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 47.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Romania's polyester-based paints and varnishes exports in volume terms were Bulgaria, Moldova, and Croatia. Bulgaria accounted for 49.5% of exports, Moldova for 16.7%, and Croatia for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 77.9% 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 polyester-based paints and varnishes in value terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 927 thousand US dollars, a significant 16.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 33.8%, with an average annual decline of 12.8%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 452 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Croatia remained the key partners for Romania's polyester-based paints and varnishes exports in value terms. Bulgaria held a 44.8% share, Moldova 15.2%, and Croatia 10.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 70.2% 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 polyester-based paints and varnishes to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in volume terms have been rising for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 12 482 tons, a substantial 54.5% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 85.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Poland, and Germany were consistently the top sources for Romania's imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in volume terms. Italy accounted for 38.5% of imports, Poland for 22.3%, and Germany for 15.0%. Together, these three countries made up 75.8% 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

After two years of growth, Romania's imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in value terms declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 40 989 thousand US dollars, a modest 5.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 34.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.5%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 43 543 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 31.4% rise.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Italy, Germany, and Poland were the main sources for Romania's imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in value terms. Italy represented 29.8% of imports, Germany 21.5%, and Poland 19.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 71.2% 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