Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian sunflower oil market volume remained stable at around 300 K t in 2018 and 2019, supported by steady domestic consumption and the dominance of refined oil preferred by 95% of consumers, while niche segments like cold-pressed oil began to develop. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic boosted household demand, pushing market volume up by 20% to 358 K t as consumers stocked up and sales increased.

Market volume dropped back to 300 K t in 2021 as rising fertilizer and agricultural raw material prices raised production costs, squeezing margins and reducing output. The following year, the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted supply chains but also led to a surge in sunflower seed imports from Ukraine, which, coupled with state aid for processors, enabled a sharp production rebound; large players such as Argus, Bunge and Prutul reported spectacular revenue growth, and the market volume jumped to 404 K t.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 245 K t, driven by a steep drop in imports and higher exports, even though domestic consumption continued to grow and producers kept investing in premium segments like high-oleic and cold-pressed oils.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Romania's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions was valued at 439.1 million US dollars, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Romania ranked 10th globally in the production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions.

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Romania's production volume of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 494.1 thousand tonnes, which was 1.5% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 512.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 2.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a rise of 14.8%.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

Romania's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 190.6 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial decrease of 17.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 233.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 39.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were distributed across a wide range of buyers. Spain accounted for 19.5% of exports in kind, Italy for 15.6%, and South Africa for 14.7%, together making up 49.8% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, Romania's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 172.1 million US dollars, down 12.3% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 196.3 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 35.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Romania's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms were relatively evenly spread. Italy and Spain each contributed 17.0% of exports in value terms, and South Africa accounted for 13.1%, together totaling 47.1% of the overall 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 sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 22.1 thousand tonnes, with a decline of 28.5% that year. By 2020, imports had risen to 54.9 thousand tonnes, a 96.1% increase compared to 2019. Overall, import volumes varied by 2.5 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary led Romania's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind with a 30.4% share, followed by Moldova at 20.5% and Bulgaria at 19.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.6% of total imports.

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, M $ US

The import market exhibited volatility during the period. In 2018, imports hit their lowest value at 21.7 million US dollars, declining by 30.1% that year. By 2020, imports had surged to 50.9 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 114.8% compared to the previous year. The peak-to-trough ratio was 2.4 times, with the highest value in 2020 and the lowest in 2018.

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

Over 2017-2020, Hungary was the top supplier of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Romania in value terms, with a 28.5% share. Bulgaria followed with 19.6%, and the Netherlands with 16.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 64.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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