Reclaimed rubber market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for reclaimed rubber in Romania grew from 8 339 t in 2018 to 9 209 t in 2019, driven by the implementation of Law HG 170/2004 which required economic operators to collect and recover used tires through recycling. EU packaging regulations introduced in 2018 also influenced recycling standards for rubber products. Market value decreased slightly from 25 million dollars in 2018 to 24.5 million in 2019. A significant drop followed in 2020, with volume falling to 7 089 t, before a recovery to 8 162 t in 2021 and a further decline to 7 344 t in 2022.

From 2023, Continental Romania increased its use of reclaimed rubber in tire production to enhance sustainability, aligning with growing consumer interest in eco-friendly materials. In 2024, European funding supported the development of rubber recycling plants, while local companies like Cauciuc Recycling and Comindflex expanded their output of tiles, pavers, and flooring made from reclaimed rubber. Ongoing EU packaging rules and the RetuRO system for packaging return continued to encourage circular economy practices in the rubber market.

Production reclaimed rubber in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's reclaimed rubber production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 14 713 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 21.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 19 588 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 20.0% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Romania's reclaimed rubber production volume declined. In 2020, the country produced 3 251 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 26.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.3%, averaging an annual decline of 6.1%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 4 420 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase of 8.1% was recorded in 2018.

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

Exports reclaimed rubber from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Export volumes reached their highest point in 2018 at 127 tonnes and dropped to their lowest in 2019 at 61 tonnes, representing a 2.1-fold difference. In 2020, Romania exported 65 tonnes of reclaimed rubber, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 5.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 51.8% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 91.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia, Turkey, and France were the primary markets for Romania's reclaimed rubber exports by volume. Slovakia accounted for 33.3% of exports, Turkey for 19.5%, and France for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 66.0% 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, reclaimed rubber exports from Romania amounted to 100 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 56.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 34.7%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with an 81.9% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Slovakia, Turkey, and France remained Romania's key export partners by value. Slovakia accounted for 27.8% of export value, Turkey for 17.2%, and France for 11.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 56.1% 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 reclaimed rubber to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's reclaimed rubber imports amounted to 3 903 tonnes, representing a decrease of 19.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 8.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 2.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 850 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 15.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, India, and Hungary were the leading suppliers of reclaimed rubber to Romania by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 38.9% of imports, India for 15.5%, and Hungary for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 67.6% of total import volume.

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

After two years of growth, Romania's reclaimed rubber import value declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 5 485 thousand US dollars, which is 4.8% lower than in 2019. However, over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, import value actually increased by 21.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 5 758 thousand US dollars, while the largest year-on-year increase of 22.7% occurred in 2018.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, India, and Germany were the main sources of reclaimed rubber imports to Romania by value. The Netherlands accounted for 33.4% of import value, India for 15.8%, and Germany for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 62.6% of total import value.

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

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