Toughened safety glass market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian toughened safety glass market was initially influenced by the implementation of European safety standard SR EN 12150-1, which raised demand in the construction sector. However, in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced construction investments, causing the market value to fall from $125.6 million to $107.8 million.

A strong recovery followed, with the market reaching $136.3 million in 2022 and $151.8 million in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by the mandatory application of Technical Instruction C47/2022 from July 2022, which required the use of toughened safety glass in specific building types such as schools. The period also saw local manufacturers like Saint-Gobain Glass Romania and Şişecam Automotive Romania reporting solid financial results, while companies such as AluSof and SECURIT launched new product lines, expanding the range of available safety glass solutions.

In 2024, the market value slightly contracted to $145.0 million. During this year, the European Union's directive on permanent closure caps for glass packaging came into force, potentially affecting related glass consumption, while demand for safety glass in transport and airport infrastructure projects continued to grow.

Production toughened safety glass in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of toughened safety glass was valued at 62 395 thousand US dollars, representing a decline of 20.7% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports toughened safety glass from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of toughened safety glass declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 9 355 tonnes, reflecting a significant reduction of 21.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 643 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 51.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Romania's toughened safety glass exports in kind were Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany, accounting for 27.4%, 20.5%, and 19.1% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 67.0% 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 increase, Romania's cross-border shipments of toughened safety glass declined. In 2020, export value totaled 30 183 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 18.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 11%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 37 180 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia, Hungary, and Czechia were the primary destinations for Romania's toughened safety glass exports in value terms, with shares of 31.6%, 17.6%, and 12.9%, respectively. Combined, these countries absorbed 62.2% of 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 toughened safety glass to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania imported toughened safety glass totaling 35 784 tonnes in 2020, marking a notable drop of 15.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 35 784 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Germany were the largest suppliers of toughened safety glass to Romania in kind, accounting for 20.7%, 17.9%, and 14.5% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 53.2% 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 a two-year gain, Romania's imports of toughened safety glass declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 75 607 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid decrease of 10.1% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 8.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 84 137 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 18.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Bulgaria consistently served as the main destinations for Romania's toughened safety glass imports in value terms, with shares of 24.1%, 16.7%, and 10.4%, respectively. Together, these countries accounted for 51.3% 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