Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for salted and smoked pork bellies in Romania contracted from 12.3 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 10.8 thousand metric tons in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by African swine fever outbreaks, which imposed sanitary restrictions and reduced domestic pork production. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further strained supply chains and affected consumption.

From 2021, the market began to recover, reaching 11.2 thousand metric tons in 2022. The ASF situation improved, with a decreasing number of outbreaks, and foreign investors entered the sector, taking over affected farms and contributing to market restructuring. However, rising grain and fertilizer prices due to EU sanctions against Russia increased production costs.

Market volume then rose markedly to 12.9 thousand metric tons in 2023 and 14.2 thousand metric tons in 2024. In value terms, growth was even more pronounced, with the market reaching 81.4 million USD in 2024, reflecting both higher volumes and increased unit prices.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts was valued at 44,740 thousand US dollars, marking a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 47.0%, when production peaked at 45,884 thousand US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 43.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 10,398 tonnes, down by 9.7% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 39.1%, when production peaked at 11,798 tonnes. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts from Romania

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Romania's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts declined. In 2020, exports totaled 161.5 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 26.8% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 6.9%, when exports peaked at 220.6 tonnes. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's exports in kind were heavily concentrated on Italy, which accounted for 94.2% of total 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

After a two-year uptick, Romania's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,100 thousand US dollars, which is 11.3% lower than in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 12.5%, while exports peaked in 2019 at 1,240 thousand US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 11%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's exports in value terms were almost exclusively directed to Italy, which absorbed 94.1% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 590.3 tonnes, representing a 10.8% decrease compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.6% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 0.3%, when imports peaked at 748.3 tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Greece were the main sources for Romania's imports in kind, together accounting for 76.9% of total flows. Specifically, Germany contributed 49.7%, Poland 18.0%, and Greece 9.2%.

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 imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts amounted to 2,917 thousand US dollars, which is 4.0% higher than in 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy led the structure of Romania's imports in value terms, together representing 80.0% of total flows. Germany accounted for 57.7%, Poland for 13.4%, and Italy for 8.8%.

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

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