Solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Romanian market for solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes was shaped by a clear consumer and regulatory shift toward water-based alternatives. The 2018 launch of new decorative products with reduced volatile organic compounds by Novacolor in partnership with BASF highlighted early industry moves toward lower emissions. This trend intensified as awareness of solvent hazards grew, driving demand for acrylic polymer emulsions and contributing to a sharp decline in domestic production from 1 390 t in 2019 to 353 t in 2021. Consequently, the total market volume contracted from 7 958 t to 7 395 t over this period.

From 2022 onward, stricter European ecological labeling rules and waste management regulations for paints placed further pressure on the solvent-based segment. The application of Decision 2014/312/EU set stringent compliance criteria for market access. Simultaneously, growing environmental concerns, including microplastic pollution, influenced consumer choice. Despite these headwinds, imports remained robust, and by 2024 the market volume rebounded to 9 584 t, with its value reaching $61.6 million, indicating market adaptation to the evolving regulatory and preference landscape.

Production solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes was valued at 4,229 thousand US dollars, marking a 22.6% decrease from the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 839 tonnes of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes, representing a 39.6% year-over-year decline.

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

Exports solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1,041 tonnes, which is a 45.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 54.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 644 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 4.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Romania's exports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in volume terms were Bulgaria, accounting for 35.1% of exports, Moldova at 13.4%, and Croatia at 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 58.6% 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

In 2020, Romania's export value of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes reached 3,429 thousand US dollars, up by 53.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 62.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a 0.8% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Romania's exports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms were Bulgaria, with a 24.3% share, Croatia at 19.9%, and Moldova at 10.0%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 54.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes totaled 8,123 tonnes, an 11.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 7,284 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 8,262 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.8% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy were the key sources for Romania's imports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in volume terms. Germany accounted for 30.6% of imports, France for 14.2%, and Italy for 13.3%, together making up 58.2% 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 solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 38,243 thousand US dollars, a 9.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 15.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 54,384 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 22.6% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 20.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy were the primary sources for Romania's imports of solvent-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms. Germany represented 31.9% of imports, France 14.1%, and Italy 12.9%, collectively accounting for 58.9% 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