Porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for porcelain tableware in Romania grew from 26 410 t to 29 239 t. This expansion was supported by strong consumer preference for domestically produced goods, which bolstered local demand. At the same time, the closure of historic production facilities, such as the Batiz porcelain factory, constrained local supply of luxury items, while the sector remained active in exporting millions of ceramic articles, indicating a competitive position abroad.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and altered consumer behavior, leading to a market contraction to 25 581 t. In the following years, despite continuing volume declines, the market's value in monetary terms rose significantly, driven by escalating inflation which reached 5.05% in 2021 and 13.80% in 2022, increasing production costs and final prices. The accelerated shift towards digitalization and e-commerce also began influencing sales and distribution channels for ceramic products during this period.

Structural factors, including persistent barriers to market entry and state influence over the economy, continued to shape the competitive landscape through 2023. Efforts to restart production at idled historic fine ceramics factories signaled a potential future revitalization of the sector. After reaching a low of 17 039 t in 2023, the market volume saw a partial recovery to 18 877 t in 2024.

Production porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 56 219 thousand US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 11.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 63 699 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Romania's production of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in physical terms declined. In 2020, 37 159 tonnes were produced, down 8.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 49.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.3%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 40 530 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 48.4%.

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

Exports porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in physical terms declined after two years of gains. In 2020, exports stood at 14 187 tonnes, representing an 8.1% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 6.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 15 429 tonnes, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Romania's exports in physical terms was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 26.4% of exports, Italy for 16.2%, and Belgium for 5.9%, together making up 48.5% of total flows. The remaining 51.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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 porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles worth 34 481 thousand US dollars in 2020, which is 9.4% less than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 38 074 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Finland remained the top buyers of Romanian porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms. Germany accounted for 24.6% of exports, Italy for 19.6%, and Finland for 7.9%, jointly representing 52.1% 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 porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in physical terms reached 2 608 tonnes, down 37.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 41.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 16.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 24.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Poland, and Germany consistently led Romania's imports of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in physical terms. China accounted for 43.6% of imports, Poland for 11.0%, and Germany for 6.5%, together representing 61.2% 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 porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms declined after two years of improvement. In 2020, imports amounted to 8 738 thousand US dollars, down 29.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 12 407 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 13.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's import partner portfolio for porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms was quite broad. China accounted for 25.4% of imports, Germany for 12.1%, and Poland for 10.3%, together representing 47.8% 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