Tyres for passenger cars market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the passenger car tyre market in Romania expanded, primarily driven by the elimination of an environmental tax. This policy change accelerated demand for both new and used cars, directly increasing the need for new tyres. The market contracted in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced new vehicle registrations and travel, lowering tyre demand.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021 and continued to grow through 2023. The sustained effect of the tax removal, coupled with rising imports of used cars, fueled demand. During this period, the implementation of stringent EU tyre labelling regulations, which mandated clear display of fuel efficiency and noise levels, compelled manufacturers to update their product portfolios. This regulatory push supported consumer interest in newer, more efficient tyre models, including the popular all-season segment.

In 2024, the market volume declined. A significant market development was the opening of the new Nokian Tyres factory in Oradea, which began pilot production and is set for commercial operation in 2025, creating expectations for increased local production capacity and future price competition.

Production tyres for passenger cars in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's passenger car tyre production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 367 million US dollars, down 7.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 588 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Romania's passenger car tyre production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 31 887 thousand units were produced, marking a modest drop of 9.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 36 214 thousand units, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 4.8%.

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

Exports tyres for passenger cars from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Passenger car tyre exports from Romania declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 28 405 thousand units, representing a modest decrease of 8.9% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 297 thousand units, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, passenger car tyres from Romania were supplied to numerous markets. Even the largest destinations—Germany, Italy, and France—together accounted for only 41.8% of total exports in volume terms, highlighting a diversified export structure.

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

Foreign supplies of passenger car tyres from Romania declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Romania exported 1 243 million US dollars worth of tyres, showing a decrease of 6.1% from the previous year. The peak export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 377 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (25.7% of exports by value), the United States (8.1%), and Italy (7.9%) were among the largest buyers of Romanian passenger car tyres. However, even combined, they represented just 41.7% of total exports in value terms, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports tyres for passenger cars to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

After two years of growth, passenger car tyre imports into Romania declined. In 2020, imports totaled 8 516 thousand units, representing a 14.0% decline compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 37.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 902 thousand units, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 37.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for imports in volume terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Poland (23.0% of imports by volume), China (15.3%), and Hungary (11.3%) jointly represented 49.6% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 50.4%.

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

After a two-year rise, passenger car tyre imports into Romania declined. In 2020, imports reached 349 million US dollars, reflecting a significant fall of 10.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 51.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.9%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 391 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 46.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, imports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Poland (19.8% of imports by value), Hungary (13.4%), and Germany (11.3%) jointly accounted for just 44.5% of total flows, underscoring the diversity of sourcing.

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

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