Starches and inulin market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Romanian starch and inulin market volume fluctuated, declining from 39,916 tonnes in 2018 to 34,210 tonnes in 2020 before recovering to 36,719 tonnes in 2021. Production followed a similar pattern, peaking at 44,890 tonnes in 2019 before dropping and then partially rebounding.

The market landscape shifted significantly from 2022 onward. The opening of Omnia Europe's starch plant in Medgidia and the strategic joint venture between AGRANA and Ingredion to expand production at Tandarei drove a dramatic increase in exports, which rose from 19,029 tonnes in 2021 to 143,878 tonnes in 2024. Imports also grew steadily during this period, reaching 16,271 tonnes in 2024.

This expansion was supported by state aid and financing, which helped secure local corn supply chains and reduce dependence on global price fluctuations, further solidifying Romania's position as a growing starch producer.

Production starches and inulin in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Production reached its lowest point in 2020, with the highest volume recorded in 2019, reflecting a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of starches and inulin in Romania was valued at 10 922 K $ US, representing a 40.7% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 409 K $ US, with the largest increase of 34.1% also occurring in that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 33 405 t of starches and inulin, reflecting a sharp reduction of 25.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 44 890 t, with the largest increase of 15.4% also occurring in that year.

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

Exports starches and inulin from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, starches and inulin volumes leaving Romania totaled 11 902 t, equivalent to a significant fall of 39.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 523 t, with the largest increase of 75.9% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Greece, and Italy accounted for the largest share of exports in kind, with Austria at 24.7%, Greece at 20.5%, and Italy at 18.7% of total exports. Together, these three countries comprised 63.9% 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

After a two-year advance, starches and inulin exports from Romania declined. In 2020, exports reached 6 288 K $ US, reflecting a decline of 24.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 66.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 352 K $ US, with the largest increase of 60.2% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Greece, and Italy continued to be the main buyers of starches and inulin from Romania in value terms. Austria accounted for 25.0% of exports, Greece for 17.8%, and Italy for 14.3%, jointly forming 57.1% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports starches and inulin to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year fall, the volume of starches and inulin imports into Romania increased. In 2020, Romania imported 12 706 t of starches and inulin, showing an increase of 10.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 455 t, with the largest decline of 20.9% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Italy formed the main cluster of markets for imports in kind. Bulgaria accounted for 29.8% of imports, Serbia for 15.5%, and Italy for 13.2%, with a combined share of 58.5% 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

After a two-year decrease, starches and inulin import volumes into Romania increased. In 2020, import volume tallied 7 586 K $ US, which is 9.4% above the level in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 933 K $ US, with the largest decline of 5.5% also occurring in that year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Germany, and Italy were the largest but not dominant suppliers of starches and inulin to Romania in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 20.5% of imports, Germany for 14.4%, and Italy for 11.8%, together accounting for 46.7% of total imports in value terms against a broad background of smaller partners.

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

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