Soybean oil and fractions market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for unrefined soybean oil in Romania grew from 36 236 metric tons to 65 593 metric tons. This expansion was fueled by rising consumer demand for unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oils, perceived as healthier than refined alternatives, which stimulated both consumption and local production.

After peaking in 2020, the market declined to 54 559 metric tons in 2021 before partially recovering to 59 600 metric tons in 2022. The recovery in 2022 was supported by regulatory developments, including the European Parliament's authorization of genetically modified soybean varieties, which affected supply conditions. In 2023, volume dropped again to 49 463 metric tons due to supply chain disruptions from the war in Ukraine, higher global vegetable oil prices, and industry preparation for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

In 2024, regulatory momentum continued with the EUDR scheduled to take effect at the year's end, imposing strict due diligence requirements for soybean products. Concurrently, a sharp rise in imports of genetically modified soybean meal indicated ongoing shifts in the market's raw material base.

Production soybean oil and fractions in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of soybean oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Romania's production of soybean oil and fractions has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 64 500 tonnes, marking a 2.1% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 30.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 42 081 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 14.9%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase of 50.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's soybean oil and fractions production has risen in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 54 595 thousand US dollars, showing a strong increase of 13.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 42.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%. The lowest value was in 2018, at 28 365 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 26.2%. Meanwhile, 2019 saw the highest increase of 69.8%.

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

Exports soybean oil and fractions from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of soybean oil and fractions have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 6 102 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 31.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 70.3%, with an average annual decline of 33.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria, Italy, and Austria were the main buyers of soybean oil and fractions from Romania in terms of volume. Algeria accounted for 36.6% of exports, Italy for 11.9%, and Austria for 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up 58.4% of Romania's total exports in kind.

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

The export market for soybean oil and fractions from Romania showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania exported 5 165 thousand US dollars worth of soybean oil and fractions, which is 24.3% lower than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 61.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria, Austria, and Italy were the primary buyers of soybean oil and fractions from Romania in value terms. Algeria represented 35.9% of exports, Austria 11.8%, and Italy 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 58.6% of Romania's 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 soybean oil and fractions to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of soybean oil and fractions have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 7 195 tonnes, showing a steep rise of 84.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 145%, with an average annual growth rate of 34.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Hungary, and Italy were consistently the main sources for Romania's imports of soybean oil and fractions in terms of volume. Moldova accounted for 38.7% of imports, Hungary for 16.9%, and Italy for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total import flows in kind.

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 import market for soybean oil and fractions in Romania displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania imported soybean oil and fractions valued at 5 165 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp advance of 122.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Italy, and Hungary continued to be the main suppliers of soybean oil and fractions to Romania in value terms. Moldova accounted for 32.8% of imports, Italy for 18.7%, and Hungary for 16.1%. Together, these three countries formed 67.6% of Romania's 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