Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Romania grew from 31 145 tonnes in 2018 to 34 105 tonnes in 2020. This initial expansion occurred alongside a period of relatively low inflation during the pandemic's onset, which helped sustain consumer demand for fresh produce. The early supply chain disruptions noted at the time did not fully offset this demand growth.

From 2021, the market volume began a sustained decline, falling to 23 427 tonnes by 2023. Rising inflation increased production and distribution costs, reducing product affordability. This pressure intensified in 2022 as global factors drove a sharp increase in energy and fuel costs, further squeezing the supply chain. Consumer spending became more restrained. In 2023, a significant drought reduced agricultural output, including pumpkin harvests, contributing to the continued contraction of the market.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Romania's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 23,550 tonnes, marking a modest 2.9% rise from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production actually fell by 28.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.6%. The lowest point was in 2018, with output dropping to 22,330 tonnes, representing the steepest year-on-year decrease of 32.3%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The export market for these products showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a dramatic 28-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Romania's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds amounted to 117 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 36.0% drop from 2019. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 183 tonnes, and the most substantial increase happened in 2018, surging by 1,049.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Greece were the top destinations for Romania's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 33.5% of exports, Poland for 13.5%, and Greece for 12.2%. Together, these three countries made up 59.2% 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

Export values also experienced notable fluctuations. The low point was in 2017, with the high in 2019, showing a 17-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the value of Romania's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports was 115,000 US dollars, down 16.8% from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 138,000 US dollars, and the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, jumping by 933.3%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the value of Romania's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports was relatively evenly distributed among various markets. Poland led with 16.7% of export value, followed by Bulgaria at 15.6%, and the United Kingdom at 14.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 46.4% of total export 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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 10,672 tonnes, up 15.3% from 2019. Over the full 2017–2020 span, imports grew by 38.7%, averaging an annual increase of 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Germany, and Albania were the primary sources for Romania's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms. Together, these three markets accounted for 83.5% 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 pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms have also increased for three years running. In 2020, imports totaled 10,101,000 US dollars, a 7.3% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 33%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Turkey and Germany remained the key suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Romania in value terms, jointly holding 81.1% of total imports. The remaining share was fragmented among other countries.

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

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