Unwrought magnesium market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2020 to 2022, the unwrought magnesium market volume in Romania expanded from 10 655 metric tons to 16 430 metric tons, primarily supported by rising imports. However, in 2023 and 2024, the market contracted to 14 338 metric tons and 12 341 metric tons respectively, as imports declined. Domestic production consistently fell throughout the period, dropping from 1 886 metric tons in 2020 to 830 metric tons in 2024.

Earlier regulatory shortcomings affected the mining sector's development. In 2018, inadequate oversight of mineral resource licenses by the National Agency for Mineral Resources (ANRM) created a negative business environment, hampering magnesium investment. The government signaled a policy shift in 2019 by announcing plans to reopen magnesium and graphite mines by 2023, indicating renewed support for critical resource extraction.

The market entered a new phase in 2023-2024 with the entry of new players and substantial regulatory backing. The private company Verde Magnesium, backed by American fund Amerocap, received a mining concession and the first European magnesium exploitation license in over a decade, targeting future production of 90 000 metric tons per year. The EU Critical Raw Materials Act in 2024 and Romania's National Strategy for Non-Energy Mineral Resources established magnesium as a critical mineral, directing European funding and streamlined permits toward domestic production projects. However, a court decision in April 2024 revoked the environmental permit for the Verde Magnesium project, highlighting regulatory hurdles that could delay the revival of local output.

Production unwrought magnesium 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 unwrought magnesium from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. From the low in 2020 to the high in 2018, export volumes varied by a factor of 25. In 2020, Romania's unwrought magnesium export volume stood at 22 tons, marking a significant decline of 94.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 556 tons, with the largest increase that year reaching 79.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany dominated the geographical pattern of exports in kind, accounting for 74.0% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. From the low in 2020 to the high in 2018, exports varied by a factor of 31. In 2020, Romania's unwrought magnesium export value was recorded at 57 thousand US dollars, down by 93.5% from the year before. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 1 742 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 90.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the dominant market for exports in value terms, capturing 82.0% of total flows, while other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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 magnesium to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year improvement, Romania's unwrought magnesium imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 8 791 tons, showing a sharp decline of 29.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 434 tons, with the largest increase that year at 18.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and Austria led the ranking of suppliers of unwrought magnesium to Romania in kind, with shares of 48.0%, 24.6%, and 15.3% respectively. Their combined share reached 87.9% of total imports in kind.

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

Following a two-year rise, Romania's unwrought magnesium imports declined. In 2020, import value came to 21 388 thousand US dollars, representing a steep decline of 36.9% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 33 910 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 22.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and Austria formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms, with shares of 47.3%, 24.5%, and 16.7% respectively. Their combined share accounted for 88.5% of total flows.

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

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