Printed labels of paper or paperboard market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Romanian market for printed paper and paperboard labels was valued at 67.8 million US dollars. High energy costs in the paper industry led to temporary factory shutdowns, affecting local producers' competitiveness, while the adoption of new digital and flexographic printing technologies enabled faster and personalized label production. By 2019, the market volume contracted to 57.0 million US dollars, even as companies continued to expand their portfolios with premium label launches. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused supply chain disruptions and material shortages, stabilizing the market at 57.2 million US dollars.

Persistent supply chain issues and rising energy and material costs contributed to a further decline in market volume to 50.6 million US dollars in 2021. Despite this, manufacturers introduced innovations such as lenticular and smart labels, and interest in eco‑friendly solutions grew. In 2022, the paper crisis deepened due to geopolitical tensions, aggravating raw material difficulties, while major producers like Vrancart invested in sustainability. Legislative changes regarding food and textile labeling also influenced label requirements.

By 2023, the market recovered to 62.6 million US dollars, with production reaching 58.5 million US dollars. In 2024, the market expanded to 68.5 million US dollars and production to 64.4 million US dollars, marking substantial growth after the earlier challenges.

Production printed labels of paper or paperboard in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the production value of printed paper or paperboard labels reached 34 631 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 9.5%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 31 620 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 38 827 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019, dropping by 18.6%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018, rising by 22.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Romania's production of printed paper or paperboard labels experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 6 966 tonnes, down by 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 37%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 7 061 tonnes, and the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, surging by 35.4%.

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

Exports printed labels of paper or paperboard from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 3 670 tonnes, representing a decrease of 21.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 66.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 30.3%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 12 730 tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2019, plummeting by 63.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 17.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Romania's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels in volume terms were Bulgaria, accounting for 54.8% of exports, Germany with 15.7%, and Austria at 6.1%. Together, these three markets made up 76.6% 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 cross-border shipments of printed paper or paperboard labels increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 26 821 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest year-over-year rise of 5.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 37.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Romania's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Germany held the largest share at 26.0%, followed by Italy with 10.8% and Hungary at 10.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 47.5% of total export value, while numerous smaller partners each contributed modest individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports printed labels of paper or paperboard to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of printed paper or paperboard labels reached 6 373 tonnes, showing a strong year-over-year increase of 17.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 5 446 tonnes, and the most significant decline occurred that same year, dropping by 10.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Italy were the principal suppliers of printed paper or paperboard labels to Romania in volume terms. Germany accounted for 24.4% of imports, Hungary for 15.7%, and Italy for 11.2%. Together, these three countries made up 51.3% 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 printed paper or paperboard labels declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 49 362 thousand US dollars, which is 2.8% less than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 53 626 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, falling by 5.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 12.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and Hungary remained the key sources for Romania's imports of printed paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Germany led with 26.9% of imports, followed by Italy at 20.6% and Hungary with 9.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.9% 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