Sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Romanian sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates market remained relatively stable, with a slight contraction to $24.4 million in 2019 and stabilization at $24.5 million in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains and raw material costs, limiting market growth.

After a period of stability, the market surged to $33.9 million in 2021 and continued growing to $40.6 million in 2022. The 2022 increase was driven by a 10.5% growth in the industrial sector and higher raw material and energy costs. In 2023, the market reached $43.1 million, with the ammonium sulfate segment stabilizing after major fluctuations and production costs remaining elevated.

In 2024, rising raw material and energy costs continued to affect the chemical industry, while major infrastructure projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) supported demand for industrial materials.

Production sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's production of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates was valued at 15 739 K $ US, marking a gradual increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 19 785 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 33.4%. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 24.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production volume of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 40 454 t, representing a moderate decrease of 8.3% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.6%. The peak volume was in 2018 at 48 703 t, which experienced the largest increase of 7.7%. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a reduction of 9.4%.

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

Exports sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's exports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 15.4 K t, which is 23.9% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Nigeria, and Turkey were notable buyers of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates from Romania, but their role was not dominant. Bulgaria accounted for 11.3% of exports in kind, Nigeria for 7.8%, and Turkey for 7.5%. Together, their combined share reached only 26.6% of 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

Romania's exports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 11 647 K $ US, representing a robust decrease of 17.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 28%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 414 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 13.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 23.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms was scattered, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant. Poland accounted for 9.5% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom for 8.2%, and Turkey for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 25.4% of total export 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 sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

Romania's imports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 62.2 K t, down by 16.6% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 45.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -18.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, Spain, and Ukraine formed the core of Romania's imports in kind. Russia accounted for 26.6% of imports in kind, Spain for 22.0%, and Ukraine for 14.2%. Together, these three countries took 62.8% 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 sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 20 456 K $ US, which is 12.9% smaller compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 4.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 24 122 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain were the main markets for Romania's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 20.2% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 17.7%, and Spain for 15.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.5% of total import flows.

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

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