Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes expanded steadily from 2018 to 2020, with market volume rising from 119 thousand tons to 139 thousand tons. This growth was supported by the launch of new decorative paints with special effects, such as satin, metallic, and antique finishes, based on BASF dispersions using sustainable biomass certified by TÜV SÜD, replacing fossil resources. Novacolor also introduced new palettes of low-impact decorative paints free from VOCs and formaldehyde, catering to rising environmental demand.

The trend toward eco-friendly products continued in 2019, with increasing use of water-based paints with low volatile organic compound emissions and a growing interest in non-toxic pigments and water-based solvents in production. By 2020, market reports highlighted the evolution of the sector with shifts in prices and trading partners, contributing to further market expansion.

From 2021 onward, European regulatory measures came into effect, including mandatory eco-labeling for paints and varnishes under Decision 2014/312/EU, which set strict composition and performance criteria. Additionally, taxes and eco-contributions on plastic packaging affected cost structures and favored mono-material recyclable designs. The prohibition of intentionally added microplastics in products, including paints, under EU Regulation 2023/2055, directly impacted formulations and manufacturing processes. These changes coincided with a slight decline in import volumes after 2021, while exports gradually increased, reflecting adjustments in trade flows.

Production water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 110.6 million US dollars, marking a 7.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 34.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production volume of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 115.1 thousand tonnes, up 15.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 39.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

Exports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Romania

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Romania's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes declined. In 2020, exports fell to 2 833 tonnes, a 14.8% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.4%, averaging 1.8% per year. The peak was in 2019 at 3 325 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 16.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Hungary were the main destinations for Romania's exports in volume terms. Bulgaria accounted for 44.1% of exports, Moldova for 27.9%, and Hungary for 8.1%, together making up 80.1% of total 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 export value of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 4 644 thousand US dollars, down 5.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 12.7%, with an average annual rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 062 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine were the top destinations for Romania's exports in value terms. Bulgaria represented 46.7% of exports, Moldova 23.2%, and Ukraine 6.4%, collectively accounting for 76.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's import volume of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes was 26 482 tonnes, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 18.4%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 25 387 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 34 295 tonnes. The largest annual drop occurred in 2019 at 26.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.7%.

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

The import structure in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse, with Bulgaria, Germany, and Italy as the leading suppliers. Bulgaria accounted for 19.7% of imports, Germany for 13.1%, and Italy for 11.6%, together making up 44.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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 import value of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were 49 229 thousand US dollars, a slight decrease of 1.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak value was in 2018 at 55 793 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.5%, while the largest decline of 10.2% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France were the largest suppliers of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Romania in value terms. Italy accounted for 19.5% of imports, Germany for 17.7%, and France for 7.8%, together representing 45.0% of total imports, amid a wide range of smaller partners.

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

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