Unwrought lead market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for unwrought lead in Romania stood at 17 350 t in 2018 and grew to 17 724 t in 2019. A specific regulatory measure in 2018 allowed the sale of leaded gasoline for classic cars, supporting niche demand. However, in 2020, the market volume contracted to 16 156 t.

Market recovery began in 2021, reaching 17 061 t, even as new EU rules limiting lead content in foodstuffs came into force, affecting its use in the food industry. In 2022, the ban on lead shot for hunting in wetlands and the shutdown of a major Russian lead plant influenced regional supply, while new technical norms for water supply introduced further material restrictions. Despite these constraints, the market volume expanded to 18 989 t. The 2023 Water Quality Law mandated the replacement of lead pipes in buildings, and updated norms for sanitary and heating installations added regulatory pressure. The market volume grew further to 20 291 t. By 2024, growth slowed, and the market stabilized at 20 401 t amid ongoing state-owned enterprise reforms and shifts in foreign direct investment.

Production unwrought lead in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's unwrought lead production value reached 33 356 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 2.1% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2020, production actually declined by 8.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 674 thousand US dollars, with that year also seeing the most significant drop of 10.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's unwrought lead production volume grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 16 083 tonnes, which represents a 3.9% year-over-year increase. Over the three-year span from 2018 to 2020, production rose by 6.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Exports unwrought lead from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of unwrought lead increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country shipped 16 222 tonnes abroad, up 4.6% compared to the previous year. However, over the longer period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 14 930 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest drop of 22.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria was the primary destination for Romania's unwrought lead exports, accounting for 72.9% of the total volume. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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 unwrought lead export value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 34 179 thousand US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 3.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value dropped by 31.5%, with an average annual decline of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria was the key buyer of unwrought lead from Romania in value terms, taking 70.3% of total exports. The rest was spread across a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Imports unwrought lead to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of unwrought lead reached 16 295 tonnes in 2020, down 8.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 746 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Belgium, and Germany were the main sources for Romania's unwrought lead imports by volume. Bulgaria accounted for 38.9%, Belgium for 26.2%, and Germany for 12.7% of imports, together making up 77.9% of the total.

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 unwrought lead import value fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 33 757 thousand US dollars, representing a significant decrease of 13.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value dropped by 24.3%, averaging an annual decline of 8.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Belgium, and Germany were the primary suppliers of unwrought lead to Romania in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 39.8%, Belgium for 26.5%, and Germany for 11.7% of imports, collectively representing 78.0% of the total value.

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

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