Processed liquid milk market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

In the initial years of the period, the market faced competitive pressure from Hungarian milk entering at low prices, which contributed to sustained import levels. Short-term contracting by processors also created uncertainty in the supply chain. By 2020, investments in modernization began to take hold, with Agroserv Măriuța launching a new dairy processing plant and securing capital through a stock market listing, laying the groundwork for enhanced local production capacity.

The expansion of production capabilities continued into 2021 and 2022, marked by ongoing investments in technology and product diversification from major players. DN Agrar Group announced plans to build a facility for processing skimmed milk and cream, signaling long-term industry ambitions. During this phase, import volumes reached a peak in 2022, suggesting robust demand that temporarily outpaced the growth of domestic output.

A notable shift towards premiumization defined the latter part of the period. In 2023, a new plant in Tecuci opened with a focus on artisanal and natural dairy products, supported by EU funds, while brands like Artesana promoted gentle-pasteurized milk in glass packaging. This trend towards higher-value offerings led to a rise in the market's monetary value even as physical volume dipped slightly in 2023. By 2024, the market volume rebounded, with consumer preference for quality, traditional, and artisanal products fueling further value growth, as evidenced by Agroserv Măriuța's reported sales increase.

Production processed liquid milk in Romania

According to Faostat, there is no production of processed liquid milk in Romania.

Exports processed liquid milk from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's exports of processed liquid milk declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 44.1 K t, which represents a 19.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 18.6%, translating to an annualized decline of 6.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 66.1 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the structure of Romania's processed liquid milk exports in kind was dominated by three key markets: Greece accounted for 49.9% of exports, Moldova for 22.9%, and Bulgaria for 22.8%. Together, these three countries represented 95.5% of total export flows during this period.

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 processed liquid milk exports in value terms also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 23 443 K $ US, marking a 25.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 817 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Romania's processed liquid milk exports in value terms was primarily shaped by Greece and Bulgaria. Together, these two markets accounted for 80.6% of total export flows, while other countries contributed to a long tail of smaller 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 processed liquid milk to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Romania's imports of processed liquid milk increased in 2020. The country imported approximately 187.4 K t, representing an 8.8% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 172.2 K t, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 7.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary remained the dominant partner for Romania's processed liquid milk imports in kind, accounting for 74.8% of total import flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller shares during this period.

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

Following two years of decrease, Romania's processed liquid milk imports in value terms increased in 2020. Imports totaled 79 628 K $ US, reflecting a 6.8% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 74 532 K $ US, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 8.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the partner structure for Romania's processed liquid milk imports in value terms was centered on Hungary, which accounted for 71.0% of total import flows. Other markets formed a less significant perimeter with smaller shares.

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

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