Unprinted labels of paper or paperboard market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Over the period from 2018 to 2020, import volumes of unprinted labels fluctuated significantly, starting at 4 476 t in 2018 before dropping to 2 487 t in 2019 and recovering slightly to 2 770 t in 2020. Exports followed a similar pattern, decreasing from 496 t in 2018 to 212 t in 2019. During these years, the Romanian market was characterized by established producers such as Rottaprint and Tipografia GrafX, which utilized advanced flexographic printing technologies to cater to diverse product needs, including self-adhesive, cardboard, and thermal labels.

From 2021 onwards, domestic production of unprinted labels showed consistent growth, rising from 1 713 t in 2021 to 2 009 t in 2024. This expansion was supported by the presence of major companies investing in efficient printing solutions and a well-developed ecosystem of thermal printers and consumables, which enabled flexible in-house labeling for businesses. Export volumes increased notably, reaching 741 t in 2024, indicating growing international competitiveness. Meanwhile, the market size in volume terms peaked at 4 457 t in 2022 but then contracted to 3 024 t in 2024, reflecting shifts in import dynamics and possibly a greater reliance on domestic output.

In value terms, the market demonstrated steady growth, from 19.9 million USD in 2021 to 21.0 million USD in 2024, despite the volume reduction. This suggests a move towards higher-value label products, aligned with consumer preferences for personalized labels with premium finishes and the industry's continuous innovation in materials and finishes, such as kraft cardboard labels for vintage or organic products.

Production unprinted labels of paper or paperboard in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports unprinted labels of paper or paperboard from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 177 tonnes, marking a significant 16.9% drop from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 71.1%, with an average annual decline of 33.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Moldova, and Hungary were the top destinations for Romania's exports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 58.4% of exports, Moldova for 8.5%, and Hungary for 5.2%. Together, these three countries made up 72.1% 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

Romania's exports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 431 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 10.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 36.4%, with an average annual decline of 14.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 125 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 34.1% decrease. In contrast, 2018 saw the biggest increase at 7.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Ukraine, and Spain were the leading markets for Romania's exports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Belgium held a 31.0% share, Ukraine 15.8%, and Spain 10.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 56.9% 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 unprinted labels of paper or paperboard to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels reached 2 770 tonnes, reflecting a strong 11.4% year-on-year increase. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports overall decreased by 31.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 11.9%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 2 487 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 4 476 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 44.4% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France were the main suppliers of unprinted paper or paperboard labels to Romania in volume terms. Germany contributed 42.5% of imports, Italy 14.1%, and France 8.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.5% of total import volume.

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 unprinted paper or paperboard labels in value terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 11 831 thousand US dollars, representing a solid 15.4% year-on-year decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 37.8%, with an average annual drop of 14.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy, Germany, and France formed the primary group of suppliers for Romania's imports of unprinted paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Italy accounted for 21.7% of imports, Germany for 18.9%, and France for 14.0%. Collectively, these three markets made up 54.7% of total import value.

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

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