PVC in primary forms market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Romanian PVC market was shaped by the consistent influence of state-owned Oltchim, which maintained ISO quality and environmental certifications, supporting production standards. Consumer preferences for PVC's durability and cost-effectiveness kept demand steady, particularly from the construction sector. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, no major disruptions were reported, and imports continued to grow, reaching 103.8 thousand tons.

Market volume expanded sharply to 152.2 thousand tons in 2021, driven by a surge in imports to 130.3 thousand tons and a rise in domestic production. While no specific new market drivers were recorded, underlying demand from infrastructure and industrial applications remained strong. The following year, however, volume fell to 132.4 thousand tons as global increases in energy and raw material prices raised production costs, squeezing margins and reducing output.

In the latter part of the period, import levels moderated to 106.4 thousand tons in 2023 before partially recovering to 110.5 thousand tons in 2024. Exports remained stable around 10-11 thousand tons. Without detailed production data for these years, the overall market direction appears to have stabilized after the 2022 cost shock.

Production PVC in primary forms in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of PVC in primary forms was valued at 35 365 K $ US, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 98.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 25.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 29 532 t of PVC in primary forms, showing little to no change from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 44%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9%.

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

Exports PVC in primary forms from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's export volume of PVC in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 8.9 K t, marking a steep reduction of 27.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 30.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 11.5%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 13.9 K t, with the largest increase of 8.3% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Romania's exports of PVC in primary forms in volume terms were Czechia (44.3% of exports), Bulgaria (19.4% of exports), and Serbia (10.7% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 74.4% 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 exports of PVC in primary forms in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 887 K $ US, showing a moderate decline of 5.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.3%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 12 801 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest shares of Romania's exports of PVC in primary forms in value terms went to Bulgaria (26.5% of exports), Czechia (21.0% of exports), and Germany (12.1% of exports). Combined, these three markets comprised 59.6% 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 PVC in primary forms to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

Romania's imports of PVC in primary forms in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 103.8 K t, representing a 10.0% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the core sources for Romania's imports of PVC in primary forms in volume terms were Hungary (50.0% of imports), Germany (15.0% of imports), and Egypt (7.7% of imports). Together, these three countries accounted for 72.8% 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

In 2020, Romania's import value of PVC in primary forms amounted to 98 991 K $ US, equivalent to a 6.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the core group of markets for Romania's imports of PVC in primary forms in value terms consisted of Hungary (45.6% of imports), Germany (19.4% of imports), and Italy (7.9% of imports). Together, these three countries represented 72.8% 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