Printing inks market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for printing inks in Romania expanded in physical terms from 5 852 t in 2018 to 6 622 t in 2024, reflecting a gradual increase in consumption. The market volume peaked at 6 562 t in 2021 before a slight contraction to 6 275 t in 2023 and a recovery in 2024. In value terms, the market grew more substantially, from $35.2 million to $53.9 million, indicating higher unit prices or a shift toward more expensive products.

Domestic production of printing inks more than doubled over the period, from 86 t to 179 t, but remained a small fraction of total supply. Imports, which dominate the market, increased from 6 284 t to 6 999 t, while exports rose modestly from 518 t to 556 t. The reliance on imported inks stayed high throughout the years.

The overall trend shows a resilient market with steady growth, interrupted only by a temporary dip in 2023. The consistent expansion in market value suggests that demand for printing inks in Romania was supported by both volume growth and price increases.

Production printing inks in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's printing inks production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 575.4 K $ US, reflecting a 16.3% advance compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production grew by 42.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's printing inks production rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 131.7 t were produced, showing a solid 16.2% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production expanded by 52.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.1%.

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

Exports printing inks from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest volume occurred in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.5 times. In 2020, exports from Romania stood at 553 t, marking a 2.9% year-on-year decline. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 570 t. The largest increase was in 2018, at 124.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—Hungary, Italy, and Bulgaria—remained central to exports in kind, collectively accounting for 84.2% of total 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

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated 1.8 times between the low of 2017 and the high of 2018. In 2020, printing inks exports from Romania registered 3 267 K $ US, reflecting a 2.5% uptick from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 528 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 9.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 82.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary (38.1% of exports in value terms), Bulgaria (19.1%), and Moldova (16.7%) made the biggest contributions to exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 73.9% of total 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 printing inks to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Printing inks deliveries to Romania increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 6 955 t, equivalent to a modest 3.7% year-on-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 7.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 284 t. The largest decline was in 2018, at 3.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (38.1% of imports in kind), Italy (14.4%), and Greece (9.0%) were the main suppliers of printing inks to Romania, together comprising 61.5% of total imports in kind.

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

In 2020, Romania imported printing inks valued at {value_last_year} K $ US, marking a 14.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 15.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 4.8%.

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

The analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Germany (26.5% of imports in value terms), Italy (11.1%), and France (10.1%) together accounted for only 47.7% of total flows, with a significant 52.3% falling on other partners.

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

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