Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Romania contracted significantly in volume between 2018 and 2024, falling from 765 thousand tons to 359 thousand tons. The decline accelerated sharply in 2024. In value terms, the market was more volatile, peaking at 77 million USD in 2022 before dropping to 42.4 million USD in 2024.

A key turning point occurred from 2022, when rising energy and raw material costs increased production expenses, leading to a reduction in output and market volume. At the same time, growing consumer demand for hydraulic lime as an alternative to cement, due to its sound and thermal insulation properties, helped sustain the market's value despite the physical contraction.

The expansion of players like Celco in the Dobrogea region indicated ongoing activity in industrial and small household segments, reflecting a market shift towards specialized, higher-value products amid broader cost pressures that constrained total production capacity.

Production quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 53 106 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 19.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 55 654 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 13.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 668.6 thousand tonnes, down 11.6% from the previous year. The highest production level was reached in 2018 at 763.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.4%.

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

Exports quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime declined after two years of growth. In 2020, export volume stood at 11 590 tonnes, showing a significant 12.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 12%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 200 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova (54.7% of export volume), Bulgaria (19.3%), and Hungary (17.2%) remained the top destinations for Romania's quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime exports. Together, these three countries accounted for 91.2% 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

Romania's exports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 2 477 thousand US dollars, up 24.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 141.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova (38.8% of export value), South Africa (22.4%), and Bulgaria (12.4%) were the principal destinations for Romania's quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime exports in value terms. These three countries jointly accounted for 73.6% 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 quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 11 941 tonnes, marking a notable 21.0% reduction from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 115 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 102.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria (40.9% of import volume), Italy (25.8%), and Croatia (16.2%) were the leading sources of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime imports to Romania. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.0% 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 quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime declined after two years of growth. In 2020, import value stood at 1 246 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 8.0% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 44.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 13.0%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 1 355 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 42.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria (26.6% of import value), Italy (22.5%), and Croatia (21.1%) continued to be the main suppliers of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime to Romania. These three countries jointly accounted for 70.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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