Refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for refined sunflower or safflower oil in Romania remained stable in volume terms during 2019, then grew significantly to 303.5 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased retail demand for cooking oil as consumers stocked up during lockdowns, while government support schemes helped maintain supply. In the preceding years, the market was influenced by reduced sunflower sowing areas due to low seed prices and export restrictions from Russia and Ukraine, which tightened global supply and affected domestic market conditions.

From 2021 onward, the Russian-Ukrainian war severely disrupted trade flows, pushing up raw material costs and leading to government intervention to cap retail mark-ups on sunflower oil. Consumer preferences simultaneously shifted toward premium and high-oleic oil varieties, and new EU packaging regulations set standards for labels and container sizes. These developments were accompanied by antitrust investigations into major producers and announced investments in new processing capacity, altering the market's structure.

Production refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 313.9 million US dollars, marking a significant 10.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 324.2 thousand tonnes, which is 2.0% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

Exports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Romania

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Romania's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 51 173 tonnes, showing a sharp 35.0% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 42.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 78 730 tonnes, with the largest increase of 66.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania exported refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Bulgaria, Greece, and Austria—together accounted for only 42.8% of total exports in volume terms.

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

After two years of growth, Romania's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 56 239 thousand US dollars, which is 29.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 54.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 79 927 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 62.7% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms relied on a diverse range of partner countries. Bulgaria (19.9% of exports in value terms), Austria (11.9%), and Italy (11.1%) together accounted for just 42.9% of total 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 refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Romania

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania imported 30 458 tonnes of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, representing a 73.5% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary (39.2% of imports in volume terms), Bulgaria (20.6%), and the Netherlands (18.3%) were the leading sources in Romania's import structure, together representing 78.2% of total 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

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania imported approximately 30 511 thousand US dollars of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, equivalent to an 86.6% year-on-year increase. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16 349 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 8.7% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Hungary (34.5% of imports in value terms), the Netherlands (25.1%), and Bulgaria (18.0%) formed the core group of markets for Romania's imports in value terms, together accounting for 77.6% of total flows.

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

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