Tissues and towels of paper market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tissues and towels of paper in Romania expanded significantly from 2018 to 2022, with volume growing from 39 922 t to 61 683 t. This growth was initially fueled by Romania's accession to the European Union, which boosted consumption and encouraged the entry of local producers like Rom Paper and Monte Bianco. The trend continued as consumer preferences shifted from textile towels to paper towels, and premium products gained traction. Dynamic segments such as facial tissues and wet toilet paper saw volume surges of over 20%, supported by major investments like Don Pedro's €7 million in new production lines. Additionally, substantial public sector procurement by state institutions, including the National Administration of Penitentiaries and the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), created sustained demand.

In 2023, market volume fell to 56 931 t, while market value reached 164.3 million USD. The following year, volume recovered to 68 285 t, driven by ongoing large-scale purchases by SRI, which awarded contracts worth approximately 650 000 lei without VAT for tissues and paper towels. Market consolidation also played a role, as Vrancart's acquisition of Rom Paper strengthened local production capacity. Consumer focus on promotions and quality, along with innovations like three-ply toilet paper and recycled materials, further stimulated the premium segment, contributing to a 26% value increase and 5% volume growth in 2024.

Production tissues and towels of paper in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of tissues and towels of paper has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 75 047 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.6% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 53.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of tissues and towels of paper has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 37 191 tonnes, showing a gradual year-over-year rise of 8.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.5%.

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

Exports tissues and towels of paper from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of tissues and towels of paper have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 9 945 tonnes, reflecting a modest 6.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 916 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Hungary, Poland, and Czechia—together accounted for 66.2% of Romania's total exports of tissues and towels of paper in volume terms.

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 exports of tissues and towels of paper totaled 15 442 thousand US dollars, showing a 9.6% increase relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 18.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Czechia, and Poland stood out as the main markets for Romania's exports in value terms. Hungary accounted for 24.8% of exports, Czechia for 24.0%, and Poland for 16.3%, together representing 65.1% 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 tissues and towels of paper to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Romania's imports of tissues and towels of paper declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 16 247 tonnes, remaining stable compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.6%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 16 326 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 14.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Hungary formed the core of Romania's imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 28.4% of imports, Italy for 21.5%, and Hungary for 12.2%, together taking 62.2% 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

After two years of improvement, Romania's imports of tissues and towels of paper from abroad declined. In 2020, imports totaled 33 699 thousand US dollars, down by 3.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 30.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 34 803 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 25.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Hungary were the largest suppliers of tissues and towels of paper to Romania in value terms. Germany accounted for 38.6% of imports, Italy for 19.7%, and Hungary for 9.1%, together forming 67.4% of total imports.

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

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